Y2 Newsletter 10.03.23

Living our school values: 

A note from Mrs McCormack (Primary Principal):

Dear parents,

This week may have been short, but it was certainly full of learning.

On Tuesday, we had a wonderful parent workshop presented by Mr. Max Hopwood on creating playable games. I was thrilled to see our students enthusiastically supporting their parents and demonstrating the characteristics of effective learning in the process. If you missed this workshop - we have more engaging sessions planned, including Ms. Rachel Stead's music curriculum session next Tuesday from 8 am to 9 am.

Today, we celebrated Smile Day, a meaningful event in which we learn about and fundraise for Operation Smile. Our students worked collaboratively on a Smile Day mosaic, designing their own tiles based on what brings them joy. I encourage you to take a look at this beautiful mosaic displayed in our Primary snack bar area.

Lastly, we are all looking forward to our annual Fun Day on Saturday, which our fantastic PTG has been working tirelessly to organise. I will be there in the afternoon and I hope to see you all there too!

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our Patana community.

Learning

Term 2 - Adventures on the High Seas

Please visit our curriculum pages to find out more about this exciting learning!

Key Stage 1 Sports Day

MFL Language Selection for Y2 students moving into Y3 in August 2023

Students start to learn a new Modern Foreign Language when they begin Y3.

They will then study this language until at least Y9.

French, Mandarin, and Spanish are all taught at the beginner level only.

Therefore, students must choose a language that is still unfamiliar to them.

Once a language has been chosen, opportunities to change are very limited.

• French (beginner level).
• Mandarin (beginner level).
• Spanish (beginner level).
• Thai A (see paragraph below).

Thai Nationals/Dual Nationals

Students registered as Thai nationals are required by law to select Thai A (language and literature). They cannot, therefore, select another language going into Year 3.

Children registered with Dual Nationality (Other Nationality and Thai) are also required to select Thai A.

If you have questions about your child’s nationality registration, please contact Rachel Jones, Head of Admissions at rajo@patana.ac.th

EAL students

Students currently on the EAL register will receive additional EAL support during the MFL times.

Please submit another language choice for future reference should your child exit the EAL programme using the request form link below.

Looking ahead to Secondary

In Year 7, most students select a second Modern Foreign Language.

In Year 10, they have the option of studying one and/or the other language at IGCSE level.

Next steps

Please fill in the online >> request form << by Friday, March 10th, 2023.

We try to meet all MFL requests, but first choices cannot be guaranteed.

Here is the most recent presentation about our MFL programme.

Please contact us should you have any further queries.

Well-being

Class Placements 2023 - 2024

We are now starting the process of re-mixing some year groups for the 2023-24 academic year.

Foundation stage classes are re-mixed at the end of every year, as the number on roll increases significantly from Nursery, into FS1 and then into FS2.

For all other year groups, when your child moves to a new building, they will also be re-mixed into new classes. Cohorts being mixed into new classes for August 2023 are as follows.

Why do Primary re-mix classes so often?

Given the significant number of arriving and departing families each year, we need to re-balance gender, nationalities, specific needs, and languages across the whole cohort.

Class mixing is a complex procedure. We consider several factors, but our priority is to make sure that every child starts the year with one secure and positive friendship. Our teachers decide on new placements based on their detailed knowledge of individual children and friendship groups.

We encourage students to reflect on how their friendships make them feel.

Is the friendship supportive, respectful, and equal?

What if my child is unhappy about their new class?

Your child may feel sad and disappointed not to be placed in the same class as a particular friend and parents may even find themselves under pressure to ‘fix the problem’ for them. If this becomes the case for your child, we ask that you support the school’s decision-making process.

Most anxieties lessen over time and any remaining concerns tend to disappear once back in school.

Do the students get a say?

Students in Year 6 are asked to be part of the process and a separate letter will be sent home giving those families some additional guidance.

This process will take some time and the class lists will not be shared until the end of the academic year. Should you have any questions about this process please contact Mr David Walton (Leader of Learning and Welfare Year 2) via email: dawa@patana.ac.th

General Information

Uniform and PE Kit

On PE days students should come to school dressed in their PE kit and will remain in this throughout the day.

On Non-PE days students should wear school uniform including black shoes/trainers.

On Swimming Days students should bring their swimming kit in their bag to change into and wear school uniform including black shoes/trainers

ECAs- Some ECAs require a different kit. On these days students should bring this kit in their bag and teachers will provide a time and space before the ECA for students to change.

Medicines

If your child needs to take medicine during the school day.  

This must be given to the School Nurse.

The nurses will then come to class to administer the medicine at the appropriate times. 

Students should not be bringing or carrying medicine in their school bags.

Birthday celebrations

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.

The following students are celebrating this week:

Have a wonderful day!