We are kind, compassionate and respectful
We all have different strengths
This week we’ve been reading the story Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae. It's a fantastic book with some key lessons:
1. It’s okay to be different
Gerald the giraffe feels he can’t dance like the other animals, but he learns that it’s okay to be different. Every child has their own special skills, and it’s important to celebrate what makes them unique.
2. Keep trying
At first, Gerald can’t dance, but he doesn’t give up. This teaches us that we should keep trying, even when something is hard. With practice, we can improve.
3. Everyone has strengths
Gerald finds his own way to dance. This shows that everyone has something special about them. Children should be encouraged to discover their own talents, even if they are different from others.
4. Encouragement helps
A little cricket helps Gerald by encouraging him. This shows how important it is to support each other. Encouraging words can help children feel confident and try new things.
5. Enjoy the journey
In the end, Gerald learns to enjoy dancing in his own way. This reminds us that it’s okay not to be perfect. What’s important is having fun and trying our best.
Giraffes Can’t Dance teaches us to embrace who we are and keep trying, no matter how difficult things seem.
A Note from the Principal
What a fantastic week it has been with our Year 4 to Year 6 residentials. These trips are always such a special part of our school calendar, and I am continually amazed by the sense of community they foster. From the meticulous planning by our staff to the teamwork, resilience, and joy displayed by our students, these experiences truly create lasting memories.
A huge thank you to everyone involved—staff, students, and parents alike—for the care, effort, and trust that make these residentials so meaningful. The laughter, learning, and shared moments will undoubtedly stay with our students for years to come.
Look forward to seeing you at the Ploenchit Fair on Saturday!
Sarah McCormack
Christmas book collection
Parent Workshops and Presentations
Curriculum
To find out about the Year 1 curriculum, please visit our Curriculum page:
Class Blogs
Please check your class blog every Friday for updates on learning for each of the classes. Click the picture to go to the blogs!
Upcoming events
| KS1 Assembly (parents welcome) | 22 November | Primary Hall |
| Father's Day (School closed) | 5 December | |
| KS1 Christmas Sing | 6 December | Primary Hall |
| Christmas Assembly and | 13 December | Whole school |
| Term 1b last day | 13 December | |
| Term 2a starts | 6 January 2025 |
Playground use - before and after school
Students are not permitted to use any of the climbing or play equipment before 7:30 a.m.
There is no staff supervision in any play area after 2:30.
The accompanying adult is therefore responsible for the safe supervision of the child.
We encourage parents and family employees to take children straight home at the end of the school day.
Preventing the spread of colds and flu
Please help us to prevent outbreaks of cold or flu as we head into the rainy season.
Children with cold or flu (influenza) symptoms should be kept at home until they are completely recovered. Even when the main symptoms have gone, your child may still need time to return to full strength.
Please do not send your child back to school too soon, even if they are no longer in the contagious phase. If your child is still coughing or sneezing, please keep them at home and limit their contact with other children.
A child who has a fever should be kept at home until ‘fever free’ for a minimum of 24 hours.
Influenza is a serious and contagious infection that affects the nose, throat, and respiratory system. The virus is commonly spread through droplets in the air, allowing infection to spread quickly.
When unsure, always seek medical advice, especially if a child has a chronic condition e.g., asthma. If Influenza is confirmed, please send a copy of the medical certificate to Nurse@patana.ac.th
Allergies and Dietry Requirements
Please ensure your child/ren's medical information is fully up to date on our systems.
Should your child suffer from critical conditions related to their diet they are no longer able to eat any birthday treats brought into school from outside.
We encourage parents now to provide a small box of dry snacks/treats that their child can eat, which the class teacher can keep, and use during any celebrations in class.
Please remember we are a nut-free Primary School and also check with the class teacher for any other dietary requirements of the class.
Smart Watches
Please note that children are not permitted to wear SMART watches at school.
If they have a SMART watch for transportation purposes, they must stay inside their bags at all times.
Important Contacts
| Department | Contact Number | Email |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Office | 02 785 2258 | primary@patana.ac.th |
| Transport | 02 785 2470 | transport@patana.ac.th |
| Primary Nurse | 02 785 2478 02 785 5460 | nurse@patana.ac.th |
| ECAs | 02 785 2231 | eca@patana.ac.th |
| PTG | Year 1 Rep: ptgy1@patana.ac.th | |
| Year Group Leaders | Curriculum - Meagan Wilson - mewi@patana.ac.th Pastoral - Michael Dolan - mido@patana.ac.th Assistant Leader - Vicky Paxman - vipx@patana.ac.th |
Year 1 birthdays
Chael (1R)
Lela (1M)
Mina (1S)
Birthday Treats
Children may bring in a special treat to share with the class.
Please contact the class teacher to arrange a suitable time.
· Brownies, cupcakes, small donuts, and cake slices are easier for your child to give out
· We do not give out drinks (e.g., bubble tea, sodas)
· Please reduce plastic packaging.
· We do not allow party bags or other gifts to be given out at school, either for birthdays, or other celebrations.