Panaga School Newsletter Featuring this month:
Issue 42, September-October 2013 Panaga School Brunei Darussalam Jalan Utara, Seria, KB3534, Brunei Phone: +673 3372139 Fax: +673 3373028 Web: www.panagaschool.com
Also in this issue:
Welcome back!
Page 2: • Welcome back • Technology Club - off to a frenetic start, yet again!
More on page 2
Page 3: • Sharing the love of books with our community programme. Sekolah Rendah DMS Dian • Is it a bird? Is it an eleSukang is located in rural Brunei. They phant? No, it’s Boris the have only 13 students enrolled. The Bear! school is located 2-3 hours from Kuala Belait, depending on road conditions, Pages 4 and 5: and they have limited access to reading • Welcome! Our new teachers for 2013/2014 materials. Our support here will make a difference to the lives of these children. Page 6: • P6’s Entry Point now and The positive action and efforts of many for way beyond: being Fit members of our community have made for Life this such a rewarding experience. Many • P4 parents join their chilthanks to all of the students, teachers dren in some good (not so) and parents who contributed to this proold health and fitness! gramme; in particular, Miss Anna, Miss Christina, Miss Teresa, Mr Tim Walsh Page 7: and Mr Meino. We are hoping to visit the • IPC Personal Goals - in acschool again sometime in the future to tion - in the Nursery see how the books are utilised as part of their school reading programme. (See Page 8: photos on page 3.) • Panaga School Choir showcase community spirit and success with Sekolah RenLast, but by no means least, a warm weldah Panaga come to all of our new members of the Panaga School community. We sincerely hope life is beginning to settle for you Page 9: and you are enjoying some comfort and • DP7/8 & IP8 aren’t just brain-friendly learners, peace in your surrounds. Among our new they’re friendly teachers community members are our 17 new teachers. You can learn a little more Page 10: about them on pages 4 and 5. • IP8’s great travel writing
Message from the Principal Welcome to the first colour newsletter of this academic year. If Arthur C. Clarke’s saying, “A well-stocked mind is safe from boredom,” rings true; the many events and activities already underway this half term have kept our wits about us all, with interest! I would like to thank you for your positive comments so far this year. Several of you have remarked on how happy your children have been in school this half term. These sentiments have also been echoed in the parent-teacher consultations this week. They are very important in planning the future learning steps of your children; and as I indicated at the start of the year, research clearly shows that involvement in your child’s education will help them develop at school. The current school expansion continues to progress well. We all eagerly await the completion of Phase One, the new Mendaram building, which will be finished early next half term. Thank you to everyone for your patience and the adjustments you have had to make in terms of parking and the collection of your children. It is truly appreciated. We are hopeful and excited that the whole expansion should be completed by early in the second term. This will then result in the move of some classes into their new rooms. We will inform you further of this transition when plans are finalised.
Can you believe it is already half term holiday time? Something Arthur C. Clarke would also attest to - time flies when you are having fun - must also be true. Have a happy and safe two weeks Earlier this half term, we had the privi- break and we look forward to seeing you lege of meeting members of Sekolah again from Monday, 21st of October. Rendah DMS Dian Sukang. The school are recipients of books donated with Best wishes and sincere thanks, funds raised from our ‘Busking for Books’ Tim Robinson
Quote for the month: “A well-stocked mind is safe from boredom.” - Arthur C. Clarke Newsletter designed and edited by Damian Brady
Panaga School Newsletter Welcome back to the new school year - 2013/2014 There were smiles all round and hardly a tear in sight (from the students anyway) as Panaga’s new academic year began on Monday, 3rd of September, 2013. After a well-deserved break, all children settled into their new classes eagerly and easily; including last year’s P3s who began this year in the “big school” (Teraja).
Plus, we welcomed many new families curring this year - an exciting schedule and teachers to the school community. of school residentials, concerts, theme days, Challenge Days, ASAs and (Please see page 4 and 5.) sports competitions – to name a few. It was fantastic to witness so many smiles on the children’s faces as many Keep posted to the school website have long awaited being reacquainted and each Thursday’s Parent Informawith their friends, making new ones tion Letters for details. But for now, welcome back! It’s going to be another and continuing their studies. great school year! There are many wonderful events ocBy Damian Brady
Technology Club - off to a frenetic start, yet again! On Thursday 19 September, Technology ASA got off to a frenetic start yet again with a full complement of budding civil and mechanical engineers, car designers and airplane manufacturers. These techie enthusiasts appeared to derive terrific enjoyment in the process of assembling all manner of interesting looking things! Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines - NASA is hiring. By Mr Dermot
Panaga School Newsletter Sharing the love of books with our community (from Page One)
Is it a bird? Is it an elephant? No, it’s Boris the Bear! Feathers is next off to the Sakhalin International School in Russia and according to the School Mascot Exchange website, “He has been packing for weeks and is a bit worried about the cold. He has just spent a year in Gabon having a marvellous time and will be very sad to leave, but is looking forward to his next big adventure!” The Shell Mascot Exchange project involves schools from Gabon, Russia, Oman and Brunei. This is the second year of an annual project which aims to promote ICT skills and International Mindedness between Shell Schools.
four schools now in the Shell group. It is really interesting to see slices of life from the different corners of the globe."
For more information on the Shell Schools Mascot Exchange project, stay tuned to their website: Panaga School ICT Specialist and shellmascot.weebly.com. inspirational founder of the project, Mr Neil Lynch, is excited at Welcome Boris! I hope you can how the mascot exchange is teach us many things about Rusreaching even more children sia and keep as cool as you can across the world. in tropical Brunei!
Feathers the Hornbill, Panaga School’s very own mascot, has been jetsetting across the globe, spreading goodwill and typical Bruneian peace to children, helping them learn more "I'm really glad to see that the Mascot project has expanded to about how we live here.
By Damian Brady
Panaga School Newsletter Welcome! Our new teachers for 2013/2014
Katy Docherty SEN Specialist Nationality: British Arrived from: Cambridge, England Am here with: My two children, Jack and Lola. Interests: Reading, films, travelling, socialising and swimming. Hopes for this year: Meeting and helping lots of fabulous students.
Nathan Edwards PE Specialist
Rosie Sohail
Tania Mehlhopt
IP5RS Class Teacher
IP4T Class Teacher
Arrived from: Dhahran British Grammar School in Saudi Arabia. We spent seven very happy and energetic years in Saudi Arabia, exploring the old souks, ruins and deserts of the Middle East, diving in the Red Sea, to name but a few! Am here with: My husband, Muz, who also teaches at the school and my three scrumptious girls; Aaliyah (P6), Roxanna (P2) and Sophia (P1). Interests: I love nature and an outdoors lifestyle. I am also very keen to revive my interest in scuba diving and explore the ocean life in and around South East Asia. Hopes for this year: To continue to uphold my motto of, ‘Play Hard and Work Hard' and most importantly to make the year 2013/14 a special and memorable one for the children that I teach.
Rachel Clark IP3R Class Teacher Nationality: British Arrived from: I have lived in Brunei for two years now; before that I lived in Russia, Nigeria, Syria and the UK. Am here with: My husband, Jeroen, and my two boys, Henry and Alexander. Interests: Reading, films, travelling and socialising. Hopes for this year: Lots of learning and fun in P3 with the best bunch of children I know!
Nationality: New Zealander Arrived from: 4 years in Abu Dhabi Am here with: My husband, Nathan Edwards, who is teaching PE and our two children, Chloe and Sam. Interests: Keen interests in netball, touch rugby, golf, books and anything related to foreign languages. Hopes for this year: I hope to provide a stimulating, fun and challenging learning environment for my class. On a personal note, I aim to meet new people and to explore this wonderful area with my family.
Jodie JeanesWaterson Nursery Teacher Nationality: Australian Arrived from: Australia Am here with: My husband and two daughters. Interests: Design, Reading and Travelling. Hopes for this year: To have a lovely year with my Nursery class.
Amanda Holmes Deputy Head Teacher of Mendaram Nationality: British/Australian Arrived from: Director of an Early Learning Centre and Teacher Training facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Am here with: My lovely cat, Sophie. Interests: Keeping fit and healthy as an active member of the community. Hopes for this year: As Deputy Head of Mendaram, I hope to support and guide the team as we move into the wonderful new learning area.
Christine Simpson Rampayoh Music Specialist Nationality: British Arrived from: York, England Am here with: My husband, Chris. Interests: Playing the piano, clarinet, saxophone, drama and running. Hopes for this year: To compose and perform music and sing songs with the children.
Laura Berzins IP8L Class Teacher Nationality: British Arrived from: Before moving to Brunei two years ago, I lived in The Netherlands. Am here with: My husband, Dan, and two girls, Eleanor and Lydia. Interests: Running, swimming, travelling, making things and lots of reading! Hopes for this year: To have lots of (educational) fun with P8!
Panaga School Newsletter Marijke Hansford Arrived from: Abu Nationality: British Dhabi IP3M
Class Teacher Am here with: Tania
Emma Fulton
Matthew Hunt
IP3E Class Teacher
IP5M Class Teacher
Mehlhopt (P4 teacher)
Nationality: DutchInterests: Rugby, golf, tennis, kayaking, etc Arrived from: Gabon Am here with: Husband, Jim, and for(6). this year: To sons, Max (8) andHopes Connor Nathan Edwards see some crocs whilst Interests: Reading, volleyball, scuba PE Specialist out on my kayak! diving and walking. Hopes for this year: A fun-filled, learning focused year with my delightful class.
Nationality: British Arrived from: Scotland Am here with: My husband, Iain Interests: Travel, shopping, reading and eating great food! Hopes for this year: •To visit as much of Brunei and Borneo as possible and embrace the culture! • To have a great and prosperous year with my P3 class!
Nationality: British Arrived from: UK Am here with: My wife, Gemma and son, Jarrett. Interests: Swim, Bike, Run and the occasional walk around a golf course. Hopes for this year: To get back close to a 'race-weight', spend some quality time with my family, to learn some more about this side of the world and help promote learning at Panaga School!
Zoë Casson
Muz Sohail
Grace Tiffin
Nursery Teacher
IP7M Class Teacher
IP7G Class Teacher
Nationality: British Arrived from: England Am here with: My twins, Lili and Finn, in P5 and my husband, Damian, who is also studying. Interests: Swimming, gym, biking, reading and cooking. Hopes for this year: Settle into Panaga School, make some new friends and undertake some more travelling. I'd love to learn some Malay too!!
Nationality: British Arrived from: Saudi Arabia Am here with: Rosie (my wife), Aaliyah, Roxanna and Sophia, my daughters. Interests: I enjoy quizzes, playing football, cricket, tennis and films; amongst a lot of other things. Hopes for this year: To develop a healthy work-life balance by making great new friends at the school and around Panaga.
Nationality: British Arrived from: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Am here with: Me! Interests: Travelling, socialising and generally keeping fit. Hopes for this year: To travel around South East Asia and to develop professionally.
Nathan Edwards
Bianca Priday
Martin Jarvis
PE Specialist
EAL Specialist
IP2M Class Teacher
Nationality: British Arrived from: Abu Dhabi Am here with: Tania Mehlhopt (P4) Interests: Rugby, golf, tennis, kayaking etc. Hopes for this year: To see some crocs whilst out on my kayak!
Nationality : Welsh Arrived from: Cardiff, Wales Am here with: My husband, Dan, and 2 children, Ella (IP4T) and Osian (Nursery). Interests: Scuba diving, trekking and swimming. Hopes for this year: Really looking forward to working in such a culturally-diverse school. Hopefully this year I will explore more of S.E. Asia, meet new people and learn some Malay along the way!
Nationality: British Arrived from: Devon, UK Am here with: Me! Interests: Travelling, sport, finding new experiences. Hopes for this year: To explore as much of Asia as possible, learn some Malay, compete in some sporting events and develop professionally in Panaga School!
Panaga School Newsletter P6’s Entry Point now and for way beyond: being Fit for Life For our P6 IPC ‘Fit for Life’ Entry Point, we enjoyed taking part in a circuits class. Stations included Knee Lifts, Jumping Jacks, Crunches, Box Steps, Line Jumps and Skipping. What a workout! We recorded how many of each activity we could do in only one minute. It was tough going, especially by the time we were at the last station. The next day, we also realised how many different muscles we needed to use in such a routine as many of us were a bit sore coming to school. We felt good though! The afternoon proved that being fit certainly is something we need to be for life! By P6 teachers
P4 parents join their children in some good (not so) old health and fitness! Sweaty, wet and fun are the words to describe P4’s IPC event held on Friday 20th September. For our new IPC Unit ‘Health and Fitness’, P4 organised a sports morning for parents. Exciting games like tug-of-war over a paddling pool, water balloon obstacle course, slalom sack races and hurdles were designed to show how being healthy and fit can be fun. P4 thoroughly enjoyed managing the event and seeing so many parents join in with the fun. By Miss Joanne
MD Wheels and Heels 2013 Organising Committee presents... No matter where your current fitness level is, RISE TO THE CHALLENGE, that’s the tagline for this year’s BSJV Wheels and Heels. This healthy lifestyle event is planned to take place on Wednesday, 23rd October 2013 at the Brunei Shell Recreational Club (BSRC). As in previous years, the “Wheels” category is open to all cyclists with a distance of 14 km. This year, the “Heels” category has gone up a notch with an additional category: • ELITE – 10KM competitive run • CASUAL – 6.5KM competitive run • FUN – 3.5KM fun run and walk. Participation is open to all BSP, BLNG, BSM and BST staff and business partners, including families and spouses. Top runners in the competitive categories will receive medals and prizes. So get going, register yourself, level up your fitness, and RISE TO THE CHALLENGE!
Panaga School Newsletter IPC Personal Goals - in action - in the Nursery Thoughtfulness
Cooperation
Respect
We are polite to adults and kind to others.
Resilience
Feathers, our school mascot, and the eight IPC Personal Goals
The children in Nursery not only learn in each We help others and think developmental area, about their feelings. they also develop as an individual and relationAdaptability ships begin to form that extend beyond the immediate family.
We like to work and learn together.
Enquiry We keep on trying when things are tricky.
Nursery is a place where children learn about what it means to be a part of a community and the roles and responsibilities that are involved in that process. Each of the IPC Personal Goals carry with them clear learning targets which remind children and teachers of how their and their peers’ learning can be enhanced by adapting them; not just in their IPC learning, but in all aspects of school life. Here’s how our Nursery children, some of our youngest students in the school, put into practice their IPC Personal Goals:
We like to find out and learn new things. We sometimes have to change our ideas.
Values
Communication
We talk and listen to others.
We do the right thing.
Panaga School Newsletter Panaga School Choir showcase community spirit and success with Sekolah Rendah Panaga
In April 2013, the Panaga School Choir joined forces with the choir from local school, Sekolah Rendah Panaga, to embark on an amazing journey called ‘Voices Around the World’.
After two months, we were ready and booked a recording session at the Radio and Television Brunei studios in Kuala Belait. We were all super excited as none of us had ever been inside a recording studio before!
‘Voices Around The World’ is a notfor-profit choir project dedicated to linking the voices of young people around the world through music.
The day of the recording after many hours of technical trials and tribulations, we had our recording of the song. The sopranos recorded first and then the altos. The children did so incredibly well and I was very proud of them! They found it exciting to hear the playback of their own singing too.
In 2012, more than 300 schools from 40 countries took part in the project to make an international recording of Howard Jones's song - ‘Building Our Own Future’. The final recording, released in December 2012, included Afterwards, I sat down with the recording technicians at the studio and over 1000 voices! finally had the recordings on CD, After being invited to take part in the ready to send off to the UK. What a 2013 project, we were sent a song great feeling! especially written once again by the amazing Howard Jones called During the summer, I finally received an email from the ‘Voices Around the ‘Unshakeable’. World’ team to say that our reThe children together with our new cordings had been officially chosen to friends from Sekolah Rendah Panaga form part of the final edition! rehearsed every week, working extremely hard in order to be ready to The final edition will be released this record our performance to send back December so watch this space! Well to the UK to form part of the final in- done guys :) ternational recording. By Miss Sarah
Panaga School Newsletter DP7/8 & IP8 aren’t just brain-friendly learners, they’re friendly teachers For the Exit Point of their opening IPC topic, “Brainwaves”, DP7/8 and IP8 proved not just to be great learners, they are also patient, dynamic and inclusive teachers. Their task was to plan step-by-step instructions and then teach a randomly-chosen peer a skill they feel they are good at. They had to keep in mind that some children learn best kinaesthetically, whilst other may be visual or aural learners. Therefore, not only did they have to write clear instructions, they had to adapt them depending on the needs and preferences of their students. ‘Teachers’ also had to keep their students engaged, on-task and most importantly encourage them with the belief that they can make progress. Not surprisingly, in the space of just one morning, children could (almost suddenly) play sweet sounding notes on a violin, strum a few guitar chords, tee off a golf ball straight down the fairway, make an expertly assembled paper aeroplane and serve and volley; among many more newly acquired skills. All children concluded that both learning and teaching are fun, but tiring - especially teaching. “I had to think of different ways to stop him getting distracted. It was very tiring as he was not always listening, but we got there in the end and he did quite a good job,” one student remarked. “All in a day’s work,” teachers around the classroom thought to themselves in response. By Damian Brady
Panaga School Newsletter In case you are staying in Brunei these holidays... To begin their Literacy learning this school year, IP8 embarked on the task of being travel writers. Their audience - people who are interested in holidaying in Brunei. Could this be you this half term break? To start the unit, they spent the first two weeks under the tutelage of Panaga School’s journalist and teacher, Mr Damian. Over the course of the fortnight, children learned about
the different genres and pur- They also analysed some hilarious travel blogs, both poorly poses of travel writing. and well-written, the likes all of They explored how travel narus have read on Tripadvisor. ratives help make the reader Finally, students engaged in a feel part of the action. They deconstruction of Mr Damian’s learnt how guidebooks give article on Brunei he wrote for tips and advice on what to do Hong Kong Business magaand what not to miss. Plus, zine; before writing their own children saw how travel bropiece on the Abode of Peace. chures use persuasion (and made their own convincing and How did they do? Miss Laura appealing brochures) to entice commented, “I am blown away potential holidaymakers to stay by the wonderful writers we at their ‘resorts’. have in IP8! They all should be
very proud of their efforts.” One IP8 journalist, Simin Ali, particularly caught Miss Laura’s eye. “Hers is a professionally written article that captures all the traits of excellent travel writing,” she furthered. “But she is not the only one. IP8 should all be delighted with their articles.” Below is Simin’s piece. Editors at the Borneo Bulletin, please take note. Perhaps ’head hunters’ do still exist on Borneo.
RELAXATION PLUS ENTERTAINMENT EQUALS BRUNEI! Take a trip down to heaven on earth, Brunei Darussa‐ lam, which has been a fasci‐ nation to the most adven‐ turous hearts and minds of the world! Located in the middle of the world’s oldest rainforest and submerged with exquisite wildlife, brace yourself while you enter the phenomenal is‐ land of Borneo!
SOUTH-EAST ASIA
The minute country stands proud and strong at the top of Borneo with plenty of oil to let it self‐nourish and grow! With the population of 400,000 people in total, the kingdom (ruled by His Maj‐ esty, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah) has a great amount of space to spare! The Is‐ lamic country displays re‐ markable hospitality at the
time of Hari Raya, which makes it the best time to visit! Brunei is a tropical country; it’s warm and sul‐ try throughout the year, with a tremendous amount of rainfall in between!
that educate you about oil production in Brunei Shell. The Billionth Barrel Monu‐ ment is a must to see. Also located in Kuala Belait, the monument represents the one billionth barrel pro‐ duced! Bruneian malls allow an as‐ tonishing preview of their rich culture and beautiful clothes, a handful of local and international restau‐ rant are available for all tastes! The Kampong Ayer (water village) is an unfor‐ gettable experience, stare at heart stopping crocodiles and hilarious proboscis monkeys, as you cruise by on a motor speed boat!
You may ask why you would want to go to such a myste‐ rious country. Even the most adventurous people need a week or two of peace and quiet, Brunei deals just that to its tour‐ ists. Temburong National Park is just a hop, skip and jump away from Bandar Seri Begawan, the park al‐ lows you to explore the world’s oldest rainforest face to face! Watch the river (crocodile free) flow past curving meanders, while you trek past glowing mushrooms! Have the doc‐ tor fishes give you a free treatment as you play and splash around in the minor but fantastic waterfall! THE KAMPONG AYER In the heart of Kuala Belait stands OGDC, (Oil and Gas Staying at Brunei is no Discovery Centre) which is problem at all! The magnifi‐ full of interactive games cent and very well‐known 7
star Empire Hotel provides their guests with a luxurious stay with truckloads of ac‐ tivities to do! The experi‐ ence is fit for a king!
THE EMPIRE HOTEL
Frequent flights from Singa‐ pore make Brunei a conven‐ ient sub‐holiday destina‐ tion! A great Southeast Asia tour is nothing without the marvelous Brunei included! Brunei makes an excellent place to live and work as well, for all those who want to live abroad Brunei is the place for you! With amazing facilities and a comfortable lifestyle, no one leaves Brunei without a tear shed‐ ding hour! When are you planning your visit? Come join the journey of a life time! We have a great deal to offer! By Simin Ali