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Our Director's Update
I hope you and your families enjoyed the recent mid-term break and managed some quality family time together.
As we enter the third month of 2025, I am pleased to share some more reports on the activities and work taking place at AISB. Our students and staff have been involved in so many things throughout the month of February – from field trips to special events such as International and Multicultural Week capped off by the International Food Fare, to sporting events and inter-school competitions such as chess and MUN preparations. There is always something happening!
I would like to thank everyone that contributes so enthusiastically to the life of AISB and who make such events and activities possible. From our parent supporters to our students and teachers. Thank you for all that you do to make AISB such a vibrant place in which to learn and work.
Parents will soon receive an online “intentions form” for next school year. We are well underway with planning for the new school year and to do so successfully, we of course need to know what your plans might be. Your honest response will help us enormously, allowing us to better plan for both future staff and resource needs. Please keep an eye open for the related email which will come soon.
I hope you enjoy reading through the latest edition of the newsletter. We will continue trying to make it even more informative, and a place to celebrate the achievements of our students.
Thank you for your reading and have a great month of March ahead.
Yours in education,
Henri Bemelmans
Director
New School Video Launch
Written by AISB Marketing Team
We are excited to share our new school video, filmed across both our Soi 20 and Soi 31 campuses.
Captured over two days at the end of last year, the video highlights the unique strengths of AISB as a boutique international school, including our central location in Sukhumvit, a balanced curriculum, diverse activities, and modern facilities. It also showcases the happiness of our students and the engaging learning environment that cultivates our AISB community.
We encourage you to watch and share these videos with friends and family to showcase the best of our school community.
AISB Soi 31 Campus Video
AISB Soi 20 Campus Video
Early Years Update
Written by Sheridan Musto, Head of Early Years and Soi 20 Campus
It has been a busy and exciting few weeks at our Soi 20 Early Years Campus! From hands-on learning experiences to engaging excursions and vibrant celebrations, our students have been fully immersed in rich and meaningful learning opportunities.
Nursery: Growing Independence 🌟
Our youngest students in Nursery have been focusing on developing independence and self-help skills, making big strides in their daily routines. From practicing positive morning routines at home and school to mastering self-feeding with cutlery, our little ones have been gaining confidence in looking after themselves. We are also encouraging them to try new and unfamiliar foods, promoting healthy eating habits and a sense of adventure at mealtimes.
Kindergarten’s Butterfly Garden Excursion 🦋
Our Kindergarten students recently went on a wonderful excursion to the Chatuchak Butterfly Garden, where they had the chance to explore and observe these beautiful creatures up close. This trip was a perfect connection to our inquiry into living things, allowing students to witness the life cycle of butterflies in a real-world setting.
A huge thank you to our amazing parent helpers who joined us on this excursion - we truly appreciate your support! Back in the classroom, our young scientists have been carefully raising caterpillars, observing their transformation into chrysalises, and eagerly awaiting the moment they emerge as butterflies. The excitement reached new heights when we released them into our playground, reinforcing the beauty and wonder of nature.
Year 1’s Trip to the Planetarium & Science Week 🚀
Aligning with Science Week, our Year 1 students had an out-of-this-world experience at the Planetarium! They explored the wonders of space, learned about planets, and deepened their understanding of the universe. This was an amazing way to bring their classroom learning to life and spark curiosity about the world beyond our own.
Sports Days & Upcoming Events 🏅
Our Foundation and Year 1 students recently participated in their Sports Days, showing teamwork, perseverance, and school spirit. A big thank you to the Primary Campus for hosting us and to our PE Department for organising such fantastic activities. The students showed great enthusiasm and gave their best effort in every event!
Next up, we have the Kindergarten Sports Day in March, where our young athletes will take on exciting challenges and demonstrate their physical skills.
International & Multicultural Week 🌍
We recently celebrated International & Multicultural Week, a highlight on our school calendar!
Our committee worked hard to organise Potluck Picnic Lunches, where children had the opportunity to sample food from around the world and share a special meal with their families.
It was heartwarming to see our community come together to embrace different cultures and cuisines. As we continue through the semester, we look forward to even more exciting learning opportunities, celebrations, and milestones for our students.
After School Activity (ASA) Spotlight
Written by Debbie Sapiro, ASA Coordinator
At Soi 20 we like to have a variety of ASAs to allow children a chance to practise different skills and explore ideas and creative pursuits in new ways. One of our popular ASAs on Soi 20 is cooking! This hands-on experience allows children to explore the basics of cooking, foster creativity, and develop essential skills such as teamwork, measuring, and following instructions.
Each week, our young chefs get the chance to make simple, healthy, and delicious snacks and meals. From fruit salads to mini pizzas, the activities are designed to be age-appropriate and engaging for early years learners. Not only does this encourage independence, but it also gives children an opportunity to practice motor skills and explore new tastes.
Primary Update
Written by Hannah Carew, Head of Primary
February has been a Month of Learning, Celebration and Community at AISB Primary
We began by celebrating Lunar New Year, where students explored its traditions and significance in the final week of January.
This was quickly followed by International and Multicultural Week, a time dedicated to recognising and acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of our AISB community. Students researched different nationalities, showcased traditional clothing in parades and enjoyed a variety of international cuisines at the AISB Food Festival.
A huge thank you to our parents and community members who contributed to making this week such a success!
Year 1 and 2 students had their long-awaited Sports Day at the Innovation Centre Green Space. It was a fantastic morning filled with teamwork, skill-building and plenty of enthusiasm. It was wonderful to have parents join us and we hope you enjoyed the event as much as the students did.
Beyond the classroom, learning has continued through hands-on experiences.
Year 6 visited the National Science Museum, Year 2 explored marine life at the aquarium and Year 1 embarked on a journey through space at the planetarium. These field trips provided valuable opportunities to extend learning in Science and Humanities.
Year 6 field trip at the National Science Museum
Year 1 field trip to the Planetarium
Looking ahead, March is looking to be just as engaging. Students will take part in Science Week activities, Year 5 and 6 will begin their School Values and Service Learning projects and Year 4 will head off on their field trips. We will also celebrate Harmony Day under the theme "Everyone Belongs", followed by Parent-Teacher Conferences later in the month.
We appreciate the ongoing support from parents and the wider AISB community.
To stay informed about all these activities, please refer to your child’s homeroom teacher’s weekly newsletter, sent out every Friday.
Bounce Back: March Theme – Positive Relationships
During March, our Bounce Back Theme is Positive Relationships. Through these lessons, students will explore the important role emotions play in our daily lives and learn practical strategies for understanding and managing them effectively.
All children want close relationships with friends and classmates at school. These relationships are important to feeling happy and helping them to cope better with life’s occasional hard times.
Children who have good social skills are more likely to be healthy and happy and to achieve more at school and be more successful in their future careers. They are less likely to get into trouble, or be attracted to antisocial peer groups or become depressed. There is a ‘luck’ factor with regards to the people they will meet as potential friends, but it will be their social skills that make the difference in developing and maintaining friendships.
Social and Emotional Learning at home: Here are some key messages you can share with your child to support developing positive relationships at home:
No one has close friends all the time and most people feel lonely sometimes.
Not everyone will like you but lots of people will.
Friendships can change and not be as strong as they once were.
Social skills are ways of behaving that help people get along with others and make friends.
To HAVE a good friend, you have to BE a good friend.
It’s okay to have an argument as long as you don’t hurt the other person.
By helping your child recognise and build positive relationships, we are equipping them with lifelong skills to navigate friendships, overcome challenges and make thoughtful decisions.
AISB Values Focus: Community
The AISB Values Focus in Primary School for March is Community. AISB defined community as: I foster a sense of belonging and school spirit through serving my school and my community.
Belonging - Students at AISB nurture an inclusive environment where all members experience a sense of identity, connection and value, fostering increasing engagement, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose within the community.
Teamwork - We value the strength of teamwork, working collaboratively with others to reach shared objectives and acknowledging and celebrating each other's accomplishments.
Celebrating diversity - We embrace diversity, honouring the unique qualities and perspectives that each individual brings. Equity and inclusion are fundamental to our school community, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included.
Positive relationships - Students demonstrate positive relationships by building trust, through actively engaging with and supporting fellow community members, fostering a sense of belonging, unity, and cooperation within the group.
Service - Students actively dedicate time, effort, and resources to support others and address community needs, fostering a sense of responsibility, compassion, and unity among peers.
Connections - Students demonstrate connection by actively engaging, communicating, and forming relationships with peers to cultivate a sense of belonging, support, and shared identity within the community.
Caring - Students demonstrate caring in a community by being kind and helpful to others, supporting their friends and classmates, and ensuring everyone feels included and valued.
Secondary Update
Written by Michael Bryce, Head of Secondary
High School note
International week will be celebrated in the High School form March 17 to 21st.
The two highlights for the week will be the International Food Fair, organised by Mr Tom Gagnon, and Harmony Day on Friday, 21st March 2025.
The International Food Fair will feature a diverse selection of dishes representing the cultures within our school community. Students, staff, and families will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate global cuisines. More details on food contributions and participation will be shared soon.
On the same day, we will also observe Harmony Day, which coincides with the International Day against racism. To mark the occasion, students are encouraged to wear an orange shirt (only) as orange is the internationally recognised colour for promoting unity and respect.
Harmony Day is part of Harmony Week, a celebration of Australia's rich cultural diversity. Throughout the week, our school will engage in activities that foster inclusiveness, respect, and a strong sense of belonging for all Australians—honouring both the traditional custodians of the land and those who have come from around the world.
More details on specific activities for the week will be shared soon.
Student Council AISB Valentine’s Day 2025
Our most recent and successful event was our annual Valentine's Day. We sold various items such as Pink milk, shaved ice, and KitKats. Including the traditional roses that were bought to be given to anyone, including our special anonymous delivery service with personalized ‘love’ letters for interested students. Students gathered to enjoy the snacks at lunchtime, spreading love and delight in the air.
The council would like to say special thanks to Ms. Michelle for buying all the roses, the council members for participating with the shops, and of course, all the students who bought the roses and snacks.
Secondary Assembly
The AISB Secondary Assembly took place on Wednesday, 26th February 2025, bringing together students and staff for an inspiring session. The assembly highlighted key achievements, upcoming events, and student-led initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to a strong and engaged school community.
Biology Conservation Trip
On March 6th, A-Level Biology students Jisung and Kritima, accompanied by their teacher,
visited the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) at Kao Look Chang. This sanctuary,
located in Phetchaburi province, is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Thailand's wildlife.
The students toured the facility, learning about the challenges faced by native species and the
efforts to protect them. They observed various animals, including elephants, primates, and bears,
gaining insights into their rehabilitation processes.
This experience allowed Jisung and Kritima to connect classroom studies with real-world
conservation work, deepening their understanding of Thailand's biodiversity and the importance of ethical wildlife practices. Such educational visits are instrumental in inspiring future
conservationists and promoting environmental stewardship.
STEAM
At our Innovation Centre, students have been putting in a lot of effort to their STEAM projects, and many of these will be showcased during our Innovation Centre Showcase week, happening in the final week of Term 2 (7-10 April).
We’re excited to invite all parents to a special week-long event at AISB! As an important part of our school community, we’d love for you to experience firsthand the amazing learning opportunities we offer our students. From April 7th to 10th, we’re opening our doors for parents to join us during the Innovation Centre Showcase week.
The event will feature parent workshops, followed by tours of the Innovation Centre. These workshops are designed to give you a deeper understanding of our teaching methods, with each session tailored to your child’s year level. For example, if your child is in Year 4, you can attend a Year 4 workshop where you’ll participate in a lesson just like a Year 4 student! It’s a great way to see the curriculum and teaching approach in action. We're offering workshops for all our Innovation Centre subjects, including Art and Design, Design Technologies, Digital Technologies, and Media Arts.
The tours will give you the opportunity to explore our cutting-edge Innovation Centre, where creativity and innovation come to life. Our teachers will guide you through the space, showcasing student work and highlighting some of the exciting projects currently underway.
We believe that parental involvement plays a key role in student success, and this event is a wonderful chance for you to engage with our school community and get a closer look at how we teach. Here are some photos from last year’s event:
Please take a look at the schedule below, and follow this link to reserve your spot for the tour and/or workshop. We look forward to welcoming you!
Teaching and Learning
Ms. Naomi White - Deputy Head of Primary & Head of Teaching and Learning
In Primary, our teachers from Foundation - Year 6 have been engaging in Professional Learning focussed on differentiating the content of the curriculum, to suit the needs of a variety of learners. In doing so, our staff carefully analyse the data from student assessments and observations of student performance, to form fluid groupings which target student areas of need. In particular, teachers have been focussing on constant analysis of student reading levels and looking at how individuals and groups can best be supported for maximum progress.
In Secondary, we have also been looking at differentiation practices and how these can fit with the Australian Curriculum (Years 7 & 8) and Cambridge courses (Years 9-12). The focus of our Professional Learning has been effective data analysis of student performance and seeking ways to support all learners towards individual growth. We have also explored the importance of understanding the science behind the developing teenage brain and what supports our students may need in navigating the world whilst they are ‘under construction’. This included discussing the research showing that the prefrontal cortex is the last area of the brain to mature, which controls functions like planning, prioritising and making good decisions.
AISB Enrichment Programme
In any given classroom at every school, teachers are catering for a wide range of learning needs. At AISB, we are broadening this scope to provide additional opportunities for high-potential students with the development of our Enrichment Programme. By offering targeted challenge experiences in literacy, numeracy, and STEAM, the aim is to develop students’ critical and creative thinking skills through hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
Students are identified by the Enrichment Teacher and year-level teaching teams, based on evidence including standardised assessment results. Membership of these groups is fluid and will change regularly according to the learning focus. Emphasis is placed on communication and collaboration, so that students can benefit from sharing insights and approaches whilst being challenged to deepen their understanding.
Groups in Years 4, 5, and 6 have begun with a numeracy focus, engaging in investigative tasks for creative problem-solving. Working in teams as ‘architects,’ they explored how many different house designs they could create using four cubes. Going beyond rote procedures, higher-order mathematical thinking involves making connections, visualising patterns, and approaching problems from multiple perspectives.
The Enrichment programme will expand to other year levels, and other learning areas, over the coming weeks. We look forward to sharing the learning with families and highlighting some of the innovative projects that students undertake.
Rebecca Hannan
Enrichment Coordinator
Upcoming Events - March 2025
AISB School Calendar 2025/26 Now Available
Our AISB School Calendar for the 2025/26 school year is now available on our website. Stay informed about important dates, school events, and holidays.
Make sure to bookmark it for easy access throughout the year!
That's all for this month!
We hope you enjoyed this month's newsletter. If you have any feedback or news you'd like to share for our next newsletter, please send us an email at enquiries@australianisb.ac.th.