Bloomsbury Yearbook 2018-19

Yearbook 2018/19 Bloomsbury International School Hatyai Learn Laugh Live

2018/19 It feels like as soon as it started, the year was already over. Gone in a flash. Over the past Hello and academic year so much has happened here Goodbye at Bloomsbury and although it feels like it went by in an instant, I hope you can enjoy To another amazing looking back on some highlights from the year at Bloomsbury year with this yearbook. Important knowledge and skills have been learnt inside the classrooms and out. Friendships have been formed and strengthened. Most importantly perhaps of all is that we have all grown; academically, socially and emotionally. Bloomsbury Staff

Mr. Thaworn Senneam Executive Adviser Foreword In my capacity as Executive Adviser to Bloomsbury International School Hatyai, I feel very proud of the achievements and progress made over the past year. Our student body has grown; we have added to our curricular centreship and delivery; we have expanded our English Language examination provision and awards, and we have developed helpful higher education and careers advice and guidance at upper Secondary level. The Council of International Schools (‘CIS’) has provided positive and useful feedback as we continue along the pathway to school accreditation, and this process is invaluable in assisting us in raising the standards of our school operation on a continuous basis. We actively welcome the participation of our school stakeholders through media such as the Parents’ Committee and the Student Council: I firmly believe the involvement of all constituencies that comprise our intercultural school community plays a vital role in ensuring Bloomsbury remains dynamic, vibrant and relevant to the needs of all concerned. I am also pleased that Bloomsbury’s management and teachers actively welcome the opportunity to contribute to the development of the local area by delivering CSR training to hotels and other organisations in the province of Songkhla where there is a need for English Language and professional development with which we can assist. I believe CSR initiatives such as the foregoing help to build fruitful connections with adjacent institutions which raise the profile both of the school and of the adjacent environment as well as helping to foster international understanding and harmony.

I feel especially gratified that Bloomsbury’s leaders have adopted a number of the ideas I have personally proposed to them, such as encouraging students to complete Good Deeds diaries and involving them in the assessment of their teachers. I believe the diaries’ function is important in complementing academic knowledge with essential moral education while the participation of students in staff evaluation (in professionally appropriate ways) offers vital opportunities for youngsters to assume responsibility and thus to mature as individuals, young adults and citizens (both nationally and globally). I have every confidence that the international education provided at Bloomsbury offers an excellent preparation for the challenges of the twenty first century, and I look forward to further years of accomplishment and advancement in the future. Thaworn Senneam Executive Adviser, Bloomsbury International School Hatyai 24th June 2019 C.E.

Mr. Elliott Principal Foreword The current year has been an exciting and innovative one as far as Bloomsbury's development is concerned. We have continued our school accreditation preparations, developed our curriculum, added Oxford AQA centreship to our longstanding CIE affiliation, revised our Guiding Statements, enhanced our parental liaison systems (with the addition of a Parents' Portal to our school website), added to our English Language provision (through the holding of Cambridge ESOL examinations), introduced school English Fluency awards for each class, undertaken CSR training initiatives to strengthen links with the local community, extended career and HE guidance to Secondary students and given a greater say to all students through our Student Council (which has made sensible and positive suggestions about a behaviour code, food provision and other aspects of school life). Above all, we have promoted the concepts of global citizenship and interculturalism and taken great pride in the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated in relation to these by students at all levels throughout the school. All these achievements reflect what a dynamic and forward-looking school Bloomsbury is - a status it enjoys thanks to the generosity, support, professionalism and commitment of the school's owners, its managers, its administrators, its teachers, its teaching assistants, its other staff, its students and its parents. Together, Bloomsbury makes up a truly unique, dedicated and wonderful community to which it is a great honour and a privilege to belong. Andrew Elliott Principal 9.v.2019 CE

Mr. Rowark Vice- Principal Dear Parents, Colleagues and Students, Congratulations! We have made it to the end of another successful year at Bloomsbury International School Hatyai. Having said that I would like to say thank you to all of you who have helped in different ways throughout the year. We have had some exciting and fun filled events including our Christmas Show and Songkran; we have had some new events such as our Secondary Section Careers Day; I personally have had the pleasure of taking a select group of students to Bangkok to visit the Stock Exchange of Thailand as well as a TIECA University Fair. This list is clearly not exhaustive and there have been so many other fascinating and exciting events that have been held throughout the year. Recently, we hosted two evaluators from C.I.S. for our Preparatory Evaluation Visit. I know how stressful and nerve-racking it was for all of us, but I’m pleased to say that everyone who was involved in this and those who weren’t directly involved was a credit to the School. I was immensely proud of the journey our school has gone through to get to this point. However, it is with sadness that my journey at Bloomsbury comes to an end at the conclusion of this academic year. It has been a marvelous four years, in which I have seen the school grow from 34 students to over 140 students. When I first arrived at Bloomsbury, I wanted to leave the school in a much better position than when I left it. I hope that I have been able to accomplish this. But it wouldn’t have been possible without my colleagues some of whom I have been even more lucky to have called friends. I have learned so much from them, particularly about myself but also about education. It should be a sense of pride for parents and students that they have such a committed teaching staff, administrative staff and support staff to aid the school and the students.

To the students over the last 4 years: I hope that you’ve enjoyed or are enjoying your time here. You have made me laugh A LOT over the last couple of years, but I also blame you for my hair going grey! I wish all of you the best of luck. To my old year 6 class: I wish you the very best of luck in the future. It was my pleasure (most of the time) having all of you in our classroom together. I look forward to seeing and hearing about how you get on in the future To the Parents: Thank you for all of your support, we haven’t always seen eye to eye, but it has always been for the right reasons. I have enjoyed getting to know all of you. To the Staff: If you are leaving, I wish you all the best in the next steps in your careers. If you are staying, I wish you all the best for next year and keep up the good work! To everyone: Kobkhunkrap, chok dee krap! Mr Rowark

Student Council This year saw the formation of a Bloomsbury Student Council. Representatives elected from years 3 through to 11 came together in meetings to discuss issues important to their peers. They spoke about school lunches, uniform, school rules, ECA ideas and countless more topics. They met with various members of staff, parents and other adults to discuss changes they would like to see around the school and made a positive impact on school life for other students. Chairing the student council has been an absolute pleasure and I look forward to seeing their continued great work next year. Mr. Clare

Photo Highlights What better way to celebrate a year passed than to enjoy some photo highlights from around the school. Thank you to all involved in these brilliant events, classes and special times shared together.























edgu ests.

We showed off our creative side.



We built links with the wider world and learnt along the way.

We shared and we listened. We found out who we are.

We were supported and guided in the right direction.

Nursery To my wonderful class, thank you for a brilliant year and so many lovely memories. You have all grown and developed so much over the past academic year and I will miss you all very much. I wish you good luck for the new school year and will remember you all fondly. Ms. Williams

Reception Thank you for an amazing year of fun. We have had a great year, one of the highlights being our school trip to the zoo as shown in our photo below. I wish you all the best of luck on your adventure next year. Thank you Ms. Da for your kindness and patience with reception class. Have a great holiday. Ms. Graco

Year 1 Thank you so much for being such a wonderful class to teach. It has been an absolute honour getting to know you all and I wish you the very best of luck next year. Ms. Kirk

Year 2 It has been wonderful teaching Year 2 this year. They have grown so much in confidence and are becoming very responsible and mature. I am very proud of everything they have achieved. I will miss them very much next year. Good luck in Year 3. Ms. Williams

Year 3 This has been my first full term with year 3 and I'm really looking forward to teaching them next year. Ms. Baitoey will also continue with us into the next school year and we are excited for what lays ahead. Ms. Baitoey taught us how to make origami birds as shown in the picture above. Have a lovely holiday and see you in the next academic year. Ms. Ferguson

Year 4 As the end of the year draws to a close, I took a trip down memory lane with Year 4 and discussed some of their highlights from our year together. There has been a lot of hard work, but we all agreed that it has been a fun journey which has seen them become more confident, independent and enthusiastic learners ready for the challenge of UKS2. It was a year where we leapt in and learnt about ancient Egyptians while learning how to write hieroglyphics, created our own Ancient Egyptian god and discovered that during the mummification process the brain was pulled out through the nose! The students also got into role by dressing up as an Ancient Egyptian for International Day. After this, we whisked forward to World War Two before looking at the evolution of leisure and entertainment with the development of cinema and television. This year we have looked at numerous topics of interest in science; however, the one that stood out for all the class was Electricity. The class all enjoyed the hands-on opportunity to create and test circuits while adding switches, lights and motors. In English, we have read some great books this year, so much so, that the class could not pick a clear favourite between the crocodile stalking the unlikely hero Ruskin Splinter in Krindlekrax, Jack’s journey into poetry ‘Love that dog’ or Oliver’s adventures to save his parents in Oliver and the Seawigs; however, the children’s poetry work in Term 2 remains a highlight in my mind. Throughout the year, global citizenship, understanding, and acceptance of other cultures has run through lessons and school events. As these children continue their learning, further develop their skills and progress their understanding at Bloomsbury it is my sincere hope that they will leave their fingerprints on the world making it a better place for everyone. Although I will not be here next year to see them in Year 5, I wish them all continued success. Mr. Macleod

Year 5 As I sit to think about what I would like to write about the year just past, I am overwhelmed with joyful memories of friendship and laughter. Teaching these 14 students who I lovingly named 'The Toads' has been a pleasure and I will miss them all so very much. They have taught me to be patient, to listen more, to be kind, to focus on the good and to preserve. Each one of them is unique and inspiring but together they make a powerful team that never fail to impress. Thank you for such a wonderful year. Thank you for all the horrible tricks you played on me. Thank you for always being your best selves. Thank you for all the morning greetings, hugs and smiles. I am so incredibly proud of you all and wish you happiness and success in year 6. Mr. Clare

Year 6 Wow, what a fun year we had in year 6. From writing stories to crazy science experiments we learnt a lot and built new friendships too. Our class has grown with the addition of Champion, Ben and Chertam, and we are all so excited to continue our journeys from primary to secondary school. As I leave for California I would like to wish my classmates good grades, to be friendly with each other and to always try your best! I hope to see you all again in the future and that you will enjoy a happy holiday. Anna

Year 7 I can’t believe how quick this year has gone and what a year it has been. Each and every one of you has grown as individuals and it has been fantastic to see. I can honestly say that everyday seeing your smiling faces has made my day and always puts me in a cheerful mood. You are a class full of energy and such personality. I am going to remember how much you have made me laugh and I know you will never forget my laugh. Year 7 can be a big change from primary school and I hope I have helped you adapt to being secondary students. It is sad that some of you will be leaving this class but all I can say is good luck in your new adventures. For those who are staying I look forward to seeing you next year. Enjoy the holidays and I can’t wait to hear the stories of what you get up too. Ms. Evans

Year 8 Quality over quantity as the saying goes. Year 8 have seen a decrease in numbers over the past year but their knowledge has increased exponentially. It was a pleasure to teach year 8 this year and I look forward to seeing the students who return continue to improve and wish the students who are moving on all the best. Mr. Noonan

Year 9 In Year 9, we went on a school field trip to a train station to help plant vegetables and to help the community by decorating the area. We really enjoyed helping, and were rewarded by being served some of the cooked vegetables as part of our school lunch months later! We have been very successful in the Young Entrepreneurs programme, where we have raised money for the school charity by creating businesses selling brownies, bracelets and cookies. We have has some difficult goodbyes in 2019, as we said goodbye to our form tutor Mr Allinson. In order to thank Mr Allinson for everything he has done for us over the last 3 years, Year 9’s worked together to make a special card, performed a song and organised a leaving party! We have had a fantastic year in Year 9, and look forward to returning to begin our IGCSE’s in August! Arianna

Year 10 Year 10, what a year it’s been! We have been through so much together, from celebrations to events and school trips, saying goodbye to old students and welcoming new ones to the group. You have all come a long way since the start of the school year. You are more confident, your English skills are growing every day and you are learning more and more in all of your subjects. Year 11 will go very fast, I promise! So, continue to work hard, revise, ask for help, listen carefully and speak English! But most of all, enjoy your school experience. It is more than just learning about your subjects, it is learning about people, different cultures, ideas, points of view and learning about the world around you. You will look back one day and remember your time at Bloomsbury very fondly. Thinking about what you want to do in the future is tough, so If I have one piece of advice it’s this... think of what will make you happy in life and do that. I don’t mean eating cake or playing Xbox. I mean something that you can do every day, and maybe get paid for it! Be kind, be patient and be adventurous. All the best! Mr Lunn

Year 11

Year 12 Year 12 has been a wonderful year, having the room all to myself and my tutor. Along with being the only student in class, this year has given me a feel on what it's like to be studying independently! I have also been acting as a T.A. to help my tutor teacher or other teachers that require assistance, even though it is hard working and there is always someone out there that needs help. I'm glad to do so! It is sad, to be the only student around in year 12 and i wish last years Year 11 luck on their new journey to wherever they go! I would like to thank my teachers, who have tried their hardest in putting lots of pass papers in my face as a way for preparing for my IGCSE's and to congratulate this year’s Year 11 on passing their IGCSE exam. Hopefully in the future when I come to visit someday everything with be even better than I left it. For me, fortunately I'm off to University in the north of Thailand, where I will be studying digital media and animation. I wish everyone in this school the best of luck and to the students and the teachers for next year too! Max