Dear Parents
On Wednesday, we were visited by a team of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Occupational Health doctors and nurses from Samitivej Srinakarin, who came to do a school hygiene audit. Rigorously applying standards from the Thai MoPH as well as the US CDC and the UK NHS, they concluded that our policies, procedures and hygiene go beyond their documented expectations. We are very grateful to them for their highly professional work on this.
I asked about the recent small clusters of illness in school; I was told that across the city of Bangkok this year there has been a +15% increase in child respiratory and gastro-intestinal illness: our experience is completely typical.
I’m happy to say that, unusually for a new school, we have never had large numbers of leaving teachers (despite Thai tax law actually encouraging them to go!). This week and next week, I’ll mention those who, nevertheless, are moving on at the end of this term.
Alex Thrall (Maternity cover) – such a calm presence in school, offering a mindfulness approach in the classroom and encouraging the children at all times to develop their independence and desire to take responsibility in their learning.
Lorna Simmonds (N, Penguin) has only been with us for a year and, unfortunately, personal circumstances have led to her early departure. A gentle, kind, caring Early Years teacher, Lorna will be much missed and we wish her the best of luck.
Francesca Lane (PN Owl) really encompasses everything that makes an Early Years teacher – smiles, songs and initial sounds! Her ability to understand children so deeply, and to build such strong relationships are a huge strength. We are going to miss her as she heads off to Discovery Bay in Hong Kong.
Jasmina Green (Junior EAL) is a passionate teacher and very knowledgeable about effective ways of supporting the development of English. Jasmina is a fun-loving, full of life character who has achieved much in her two years with us.
Joel Whitham (N Hornbill) always meets any challenge with energy, spark and gusto. A flexible and determined member of the team, Joel is always pushing forward professionally, with a range of opportunities at hand all the time. He moves to his new school with a strong promotion to Deputy Head. Well done!
Sean Tait (Junior Music): a man whose musical talents are extraordinary. He has brought great skill and inspiration to our school via his wonderfully engaging lessons as well as through productions. He will be a huge loss, but we wish him all the best as he returns with his family to Japan.
Matt Waddington (Y2 Dahl) has a very strong understanding of the individual child and always gives each student the chance to inquire and learn through personal exploration. He is loved by his students and cares greatly for each of them. Good luck with everything, Matt!
Kirat Kogar (School Counsellor) has a gentle nature and very keen ability to listen calmly and thoughtfully. Without fuss, she has given support to so many children since her arrival here two years ago. Kirat understands what to say and how to help, in every context.
Cath Valencia (PN Parrot) encompasses all things Early Years. She is always smiling, always ready to sing and always the calmest presence. Such passion in everything she does, and such knowledge of how to best help our youngest children – we very much hope Cath might return to us at some point in the future! For now, she is off to Muscat in Oman.
Emma Cornick (Y1 Lucas) has been genuinely inspirational throughout her time at the school. She understands the children in her class deeply and provides such calm and purposeful environments in which they can learn and thrive. We thank her for all that she has contributed to WCIB in her five years at the school and wish her all the best as she returns to Australia after so many years abroad.
Have a great weekend
Chris
