Y1 Newsletter: Week 29 - 05.04.24

We are motivated and engaged!

A note from Mrs McCormack (Primary Principal):

5 April 2024

Dear Parents,

As we wrap up an exciting Term 2, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate all the wonderful experiences our community has shared together. From welcoming new students back in January, to enjoying residentials and coming together for Parent Teacher meetings. We have had memorable Primary school events like the Songkran shirt competition, Science week, Smile Day and the Y5 Poetry competition, plus a ukulele and rock band jam!

Personally, I have cherished every moment of walking through the year groups, hosting workshops for parents on assessment and homework, and participating in our 'Take 10' student interviews across Y3 – Y6. The discussions we have, ongoing, about supporting our students and ensuring high-quality teaching and learning sets our school apart.

As we head into the Songkran break, I hope you and your family have a fantastic time. I look forward to seeing you all refreshed and ready to go on Monday, April 22nd.

Sarah McCormack

Learning

Class Blogs

Please visit our class blogs every Friday to find out about our learning in each of the classes!

Curriculum

To find out about our Year 1 curriculum please visit our Curriculum page.

RSE Presentation

Thank you to all those who were able to attend our RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) presentation on Thursday 28th March. Please find the slides below for your reference.

Unfortunately, there was a technical problem with one of the videos we wanted to share about how to talk about sexual abuse with your child. Here is the video in full (I have also added it again to the presentation). If you have any questions about any of the things discussed in the presentation, please contact your child's class teacher. 

PTG Quiz Night

General Information

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease – Preventative Measures

HFMD is a viral infection which spreads via direct contact, particularly of body fluids caused by coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms of HFMD may include fever for 2/3 days, sore throat, runny nose, rash (palms of hands, soles of feet, buttocks, mouth), poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy.

Because of the prevalence of HFMD in Thailand, we are required to report all cases to the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority.

The school response (children kept at home for seven days + rigorous cleaning of buildings and equipment) helps avert closures.

Rigorous and frequent handwashing is also an important preventative measure.

If you notice such symptoms, please contact Nurse Joe and a member of her team will check all children in the class.

If your child with symptoms, and there are other siblings in school, please share this information with Nurse Joe.

Khun Joe can be contacted at kiau@patana.ac.th

Air Pollution

At this time of year we notice a change in the Air Quality in Bangkok.

In the morning before school starts when we have the Status:

Unhealthy

From 7am onwards, Year 1 students should come inside and go to the creative art area (in the middle of Year 1) where there will be teachers supervising them safely inside.

Parents are encouraged to drop their children at the doors. 

We please kindly ask parents not to stay in this space as it can become crowded and overfull. Some students can find separation from parents more challenging on these days as well, so please support your child by giving them a big hug and then leaving them with us (see below for more guidance on separation).

Should your child arrive before 7am on any day, they should go directly to the Primary Office until duty staff begin to supervise.

Please find the school policy for Air Quality Here

Morning Separation

It is very common for some children to find separating from their parents challenging in the mornings. This can be triggered by a variety of reasons: a change in their normal routine, an argument with a sibling, a parent being away, feeling unwell, etc. Many children are not able to explain why they are upset when they are struggling to separate from a parent, but here are some suggestions on how to best support your child:

• Make saying goodbye a positive time. When you leave your child, however sad or worried you may be feeling, smile and wave goodbye confidently and happily, otherwise they will pick up on your tension. By giving your child experience of saying goodbye then having happy reunions, you are teaching them an important life lesson.
• Talk about what you'll do together later. Talk to your child about what you're going to do when you see them again so they have something to look forward to with you. For example, you could say: "When Mummy comes back to pick you up, we'll go to the shop together to get food for dinner."
• Leave something comforting with your child. It may comfort your child to have something they identify with you – like a scarf with your scent on or a favourite toy – close by. This may reassure them while you are away. These items will be kept in your child's school bag, but having them there can bring reassurance and a sense of calm. 

If you are concerned about separation issues, please speak to your child's teacher as there may be individual systems they can put in place to support your child in the mornings. 

Playtimes

We ask that parents do not stay with their children during playtimes. If you would like to stay on campus, please feel free to use our fantastic PTG room. There are tea and coffee making facilities in there. We would like the children to develop their independence and have time to socialise with their friends, as they are learning important life skills during these times. Thank you for your support. 

Preventing the spread of influenza (newsletters November 23)

We currently have a number of children absent with influenza.

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.

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.

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

Birthday celebrations

The following students are celebrating their birthdays over the Songkran holiday are... 

Kion (1V), Payton (1R), Harper (1N), Milo (1P), Jayna (1V), Viola (1S), Alan (1S) and Jaeyong (1J). A very big happy birthday to all of you, too!

Reminder: We cannot give out party bags or gifts - please keep these for any sort of celebration that you do out of school.

If you would like to send in some birthday treats for your child to share with their class, please arrange a day with your child's class teacher. We will only be able to manage individual items like brownies, doughnuts, or cupcakes. 

Please remember we are a nut-free Primary School and also check with the class teacher for any other dietary requirements of the class.