Welcome to Year 3

It has been a fantastic start to the year for Year 3! We have really enjoyed getting to know the children this week and are looking forward to a fun and productive year.

This week we have been making healthy wraps as part of our work on keeping healthy and looking after ourselves. Follow this link to see the photos of the children at work; this link is also posted on the Year 3 website:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByHAeDlCKdaHQnlDMkxMRUluUTA

Our first major theme of the Year is 'Light and Shadow'. You can find information about this theme on the Year 3 website here:

https://sites.google.com/a/bisphuket.ac.th/year3/themes/light-and-shadow

Our first Literacy Topic is The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark. There is information and a youtube video here:

https://sites.google.com/a/bisphuket.ac.th/year3/subjects/literacy/the-owl-who-was-afraid-of-the-dark

Biblionasium

This year we are not using a written (paper) reading record. Instead, the students are expected to log the books they have read and comment about them on the Biblionasium website (www.biblionasium.com). Their login details are in the fronts of their homework books. Also, like last year, the children will get a homework grid every 2 weeks with different activities on for them to do at home.

Ipads

You may be aware that we are encouraging children to bring their own ipads this year to help them with their school work. This is not a compulsory scheme but it will help the children to become more independent and give them greater access to the technology. There seems to be a misconception that the ipads need to be wiped before they are brought to school. This is not necessary because the children will never be using them when they are unsupervised during the school day. A letter about this was sent out last year- if you would like another copy of the letter then please feel free to ask me.

Dismissal

From Monday, the students in Year 3 will be collected from the bottom of the library stairs at the end of the day. 

Meet the teachers evening

An important date for your diary is the meet the teachers evening which is Wednesday 2nd September at 2:45pm in the Year 3 classrooms. Any questions you may have about Year 3 can be answered at this meeting.

The end of Year 2!

This is the final post from us on the Year 2 blog. This blog will turn into the Year 3 blog next year and at the start of the year you will be asked to resubscribe. 

On Wednesday we had our pyjama, popcorn and movie party. The children chose the movie they wanted and settled down, all snuggled up. It was great fun!

Everyone should have received the school report, yearbook and next years class list this week. The children were asked to write down the friends they would like to be with next year and this was our starting point for the class lists. It is not an easy job and we spent around 8 hours putting the new classes together so we hope everyone is happy.

We are sad to say Goodbye to Sofia and her family today as they leave for new adventures in Canada. We wish them all the best and hope they keep in touch.

We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all parents for the lovely gifts that you have given us. We really feel appreciated. Thank you all also for your support throughout the year in everything we have done. And finally an ENORMOUS THANK YOU to all the children for their hard work.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday.
See you in Year 3!

Into the final week of Year 2

Over the past week the children have been being authors and illustrators, inspired by Jeff Brown and Eric Carle. They have also been creating some fabulous poetry in the style of Kennings. Kennings are Old Norse poems in the form of a riddle. 

Tissue paper collages inspired by Eric CarleEditing has been an important part of our story writing. The children have been giving each other feedback on their stories, saying two things they think their friend has done well and one thing they need to do to improve their writing.                

Working hard to edit.

Giving feedback

Key stage 1 Assembly this Friday featured a visit from Captain Pat of the Ixdos. The children enjoyed a talk from the captain about the latest changes to the boat. He talked about the recent additions which include non-slip decking, funnels, the solar panel and a bath!

Well Done to The Stars of this Week!

The final week of Year Two is going to be a very busy one!

On Tuesday afternoon we will be going to the Primary music concert featuring singers, pianists and much more.

On Wednesday Year Two will have their Pyjama Party. Children may come to school wearing pyjamas or change at school if they prefer. They may bring a pillow, teddy bear and blanket if they wish too. We will be having popcorn with our movies. There is no need to bring more food. Please ensure that children have their PE kits in their bag to change into after the party.

School reports will be sent home on Wednesday. If you are leaving before Wednesday please see the school office.

On Thursday there will be an assembly followed by a talent show. School will finish at 1:00pm.

Activity forms for next year will be being sent home this week. Please return them as soon as possible. There is the option for Key Stage Two children to join  the Production Activity meaning they will perform in the show in December. Please read the note below regarding this.

This year’s KS2 production will be an adaptation for children of Gilbert and Sullivan’s famous operetta “The Pirates of Penzance”. Set in the West Country of England this musical comedy requires a large cast, including a chorus of well-brought up young ladies, a chorus of pirates and a hilarious chorus of policemen – so lots of roles for boys and girls!! Rehearsals will be on a Monday and Friday, and to take part you must attend on both days.

What a performance!

This week the children were outstanding in their performance of 'The Goblin Next Door'. We were very proud of each child as they sang, danced and performed with such amazing confidence. Well Done!

We would also like to thank the wonderful parents who made all the costumes for the show. It would not have been the same without your hard work. Thank You!

Here are a few photos

Take a look at the Facebook page for lots more photos  - click here

On Friday this week we had a visit from a Shark Guardian. He gave out the very important message that sharks should be protected and explained why. Each child has a leaflet about this.

Also on Friday 2CC engaged in a skype meet up with a Year 1/2 class in Para Vista School in Australia. The children classes asked each other questions. They told 2CC about their Claymation Project and their chicken farm! 

A huge WELL DONE to this weeks STARS OF THE WEEK!

Dates for your Diary

Monday 15th June - Year 2 visit Year 3

Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th June- IXDOS visits

Tuesday 23rd June - Music Concert. Auditorium

Wednesday 24th June - Year 2 Pyjama Party, bring pyjamas, pillows and teddy bears!

Thursday 25th June - 10:40 Talent Show.  School finishes at 1:00pm

The Run For Hugo

The Year 2 children did themselves proud this morning at The Run For Hugo. They persevered and kept running for the whole time. Many learned that starting off fast when running long distances isn't always the best idea! Hugo himself even joined us at one point, pushed along in his chair by Hayley.

After the run we went back to our classrooms for a cool down and a Maths lesson! We worked out how many kilometres we had run as individuals and as a class. This is what we found out...

2CC ran 174 laps. That's 43 ½  km  WOW!

2KG ran 151 laps. That's 37 ¾ km.  WOW! 

2JS ran 125 laps. That's 31 ¼ km. WOW!

And the total run by the Primary school was...
3808 laps,  that's  952 km, equal to 22.6 marathons!!!

Well Done to all the children, teachers and parents that ran.

The distance that each child ran has been recorded on their sponsor forms which they have all taken home. The children can now start collecting the money and bring it in to school as soon as possible.

Many of the children have been quite emotional about supporting this event. As they have learned more about Hugo, his amazing character and strength and his needs, they have commented on how they feel and how much they want to help. It really has been very moving.


The Goblin Next Door

All is quiet in The Fairy Dell for the moment....

but on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:30pm the stage will be alive with music, acting and dance as Years 1 and 2 perform The Goblin Next Door.

Please come along to the Primary Hall and watch the amazing show!

REMINDER- Children need to bring their blue PE shorts to school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Our Year 2 UPSTANDABLES!

This week for assembly each class was asked to choose their most upstanding citizen. This is someone who consistently acts in an upstanding way, helps others and makes a real difference. We have seen and heard about so many upstanding acts this term from so many children, it was hard to choose. However three children have really stood out this term as being super upstandable! Here they are...

CONGRATULATIONS, THANK YOU and WELL DONE to our UPSTANDABLE citizens.

Visiting IXDOS 

On Tuesday 16th June and Thursday 18th June Year 2 children will be visiting The IXDOS Schooner again to see the progress that has been made thanks to our fundraising event. The children have already seen the solar water pump which will be on board but there are many other improvements thanks to all our efforts.

Any parents who are interested in coming along are most welcome. We will be visiting IXDOS at 8:10am. We will let you know shortly which day each child will be visiting.

Dates for your Diary

8th, 9th, 10th June - The Goblin Next Door. 1:30pm  Primary Hall

Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th June- IXDOS visits

Tuesday 23rd June - Music Concert. Auditorium

Wednesday 24th June - Year 2 Pyjama Party, bring pyjamas, pillows and teddy bears!

Thursday 25th June - 10:40 Talent Show.  School finishes at 1:00pm

Important announcements and a sing-a-long!

The Goblin Next Door

Please can children bring their PE shorts tomorrow (Thursday) and on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week to wear in the show. Each child will be given a 'Goblin next door' T-shirt to wear with their shorts.

The performances will be on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week and will start at 1:30pm in the Primary hall. You don't need a ticket and can choose any of these days to come and watch. We hope that you enjoy the show!

Run for Hugo

If children have a 'Run for Hugo' T-shirt they should wear it on Friday 5th June for the run, if not they should wear their PE clothes. Year 2 will be running between 9:10 and 9:40. We will be running as many 250m laps as we can in half an hour. The track will be along the entrance road (which will be closed) outside the main Building (Gate 2).

Each child has brought home a sponsorship form to raise money for Mitochondrial Research to help Hugo. Please can the sponsor form be brought to school on Friday so that we can record the number of laps each child ran. Remember you can donate one amount for the run or pledge an amount for each lap run.

เรียนท่านผู้ปกครอง

แบบฟอร์มเพื่อขอรับการสนับสนุนเงินได้ถูกส่งให้นักเรียนตั้งแต่สัปดาห์ที่แล้ว แบบฟอร์มนี้จะช่วยระดมทุนสำหรับการ ”วิ่งเพื่อฮิวโก้” ของเราในวันศุกร์นี้ โดยผู้ใหญ่สามารถสนับสนุนเงินแก่เด็กซึ่งจะวิ่งให้ไกลที่สุดเท่าที่จะทำได้ภายในเวลา 30 นาที การสนับสนุนเงินสามารถให้เป็นจำนวนตามจำนวนแต่ละรอบวิ่ง หรือจะคลอบคลุมการวิ่งทั้งหมดก็ได้ ผู้ให้การสนับสนุนจะต้องลงชื่อในแบบฟอร์มและระบุจำนวนเงินที่ต้องการจะสนับสนุนแก่นักเรียนด้วย 

Our Flat Stanley song- watch it and sing along!

'

End of Year 2 celebration

We decided to ask the children for ideas to celebrate our great year in Year 2. They came up with many suggestions from trips to parties. After considering all the options the children voted on their favourite idea and almost all of the children voted for.... a pyjama, movie and popcorn party! So on Wednesday 24th June  the children may come to school wearing pyjamas and may bring a pillow and cuddly toy. We will have a different movie showing on each screen (like a cinema) and will serve popcorn.The movies will begin at 8:30am. Children will need to bring their PE clothes to change into after the party.

We Made a difference!- progress on board Ixdos

Take a look at a few of the illustrations created by our super Year 2 illustrators this week. They were inspired by and in the same style as Lauren Child, Axel Schiffler and Scott Nash.

Paint, pen and collage. Inspired by Lauren Child

Water colour and pen. Inspired by Axel Schiffler

Pencil shading. Inspired by Scott Nash

More Illustrations to come over the next few weeks!

This week we have continued to work in teams to solve problems by applying our Maths skills. 

Next week we will be focusing on Fractions during our team challenges.

The children have completed their postcards about Flat Stanley's adventures in Phuket and these are now ready to post to Canada, UK and Australia.  Next week we will begin to think about a storyline for our own Chapter books which we will be writing!

We MADE A DIFFERENCE!

Captain Pat has been into school this week to share with us the exciting news about work on the Schooner Ixdos. Thanks to the money raised by Years 1 and 2 the boat now has a solar powered pump, hand rails have been installed and much work on the fixtures and fittings has been completed.

The solar powered pump-on display outside the Primary Pool Area.

A message from Captain Pat

Well Done to our Stars of the Week!

Friday 5th June- RUN FOR HUGO

Each child brought home a sponsorship form this week to try to raise money for Mitochondrial Disease Research in order to help Hugo. Please support this in any way you can - every little bit helps! You can pay your child to run for 30 minutes or pay an amount for each lap they complete. 

The Goblin Next Door

The dress rehearsal will now be in the morning there are three performances over 3 days for our eager audience to attend.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8th, 9th and 10th June

The show will begin at 1:30 in the Primary hall. No tickets needed! We can't wait!

Important message - The Goblin Next Door Date changes

The Goblin Next Door Performances have been moved back by one week. This means that the shows will now be on Monday 8th June, Tuesday 9th June and Wednesday 10th June.

Also some of the cast members were asked to come to school on Saturday to attend a rehearsal. This rehearsal is now cancelled.

Amazing illustrations

This week the children have been looking closely at illustrations-particularly those by Scott Nash who is the illustrator of the Flat Stanley books. They have been considering the different shades used in the pictures and recreating these in pencil. It looks like we could have some potential future illustrators in Year 2 as the pictures they have created are amazing. Next week we will begin looking at how Eric Carle illustrates his books- a very different approach to Scott Nash!

We only have one more week before The Goblin Next Door appears at school for 3 shows on 1st, 2nd and 3rd June. All the children are working hard to sing the songs and remember their lines. Some very interesting costumes are also starting to make an appearance so it is shaping up to be a great show. Over the next week we will be rehearsing very hard.

In Maths we are taking a close look at fractions- halves and quarters, what they mean and how to find fractions of shapes and numbers.  We will also be continuing to recall and calculate using our times tables and division facts. Our team activities will focus on these as we present a range of problems for the children to solve.

Our writing over the next week will focus on using speech marks and the children will be learning how to represent speech from speech bubbles into written text.

Friday 29th May- Uniform free day.
Wear your RUN FOR HUGO t-shirt to school if you have ordered one or wear any clothes but bring in 50THB to donate to our Term 3 MAD focus, research into mitochondrial disease. 

Friday 5th June will be the RUN FOR HUGO where we will be seeing if together as a whole school we can run a marathon!

A HUGE WELL DONE to this weeks Upstanding Stars!

Also CONGRATULATIONS to the Year 2 winner and runners up in the Library Bookmark competition. We look forward to using your bookmarks soon.

Australian Stanleys are here!

Hooray!- the Flat Stanleys from Australia arrived this week and have gone home with their new Year 2 friends to have some adventures. We look forward to looking at these on their blog. The children (and parents) have been working hard to record all the Flat Stanley adventures-well done! You can see them yourselves by visiting the blogs. Please take a look by clicking on the blogs below!

UK Stanleys Blog - http://stanleylukbisp.blogspot.com/

Canadian Stanleys Blog - http://stanleylcanadabisp.blogspot.com/

Australian Stanleys Blog - http://stanleylozbisp.blogspot.com/


This week the children have been learning how to manipulate images to create virtual postcards. This involves them taking photos, downloading and saving images from Edmodo and using the green screen app to create new images. Here are some examples of their work.

Stanley at Tarzan adventures

Stanley at The Big Buddha

We will be using these postcards as a focus for our writing.

Coding
The children have been busy learning to work in code to make programs do different things. They have used iPad apps -Scratch and Kodable to make characters move, speak and much more and have been programming the Pro-Bots to draw shapes. To do this they have had to think carefully about the properties of shapes and how to give clear instructions.

The Goblin Next Door
There are  only 2 weeks to go until the children perform the show 'The Goblin Next Door'. They have been busy learning the songs during music lessons and are having a rehearsal each Monday too. In assembly on Friday they treated us by singing one of the songs from the show and it sounded fantastic! The show will be on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of June.

A HUGE WELL DONE to this weeks stars of the week!

Dates for your Diary

1st, 2nd and 3rd June - KS1 Production - “The Goblin next door”

5th June - Run for Hugo

Thursday 25th June - Last day of the school year. Classes finish at 1:00pm