On Saturday, February 18, 2012, Berkeley International School selected three of its finest mathematical minds from grades 4-7 to attend a math competition hosted by Pan Asia International School. These students, along with two of their math teachers, willingly gave up their chance to sleep in for the love of math. The event consisted of two rounds of competition separated by a few enjoyable team building activities. The first round was a classroom, paper/pencil test that combined the three students’ scores. Out of the ten or so schools attending, only the top four teams in each grade level made it to the second round. The second round was held on stage in the auditorium. It was in a Quiz bowl format where each team worked together to answer problems read orally. All of the students seemed to have fun wrestling with some very difficult problems, but at the end of the day, Berkeley’s seventh graders were the last ones standing.  Grich, Jun Young, and Kong racked their brains to answer just one more question than the second place team. Our winners were kindly rewarded with a first place trophy and a 3,500 baht cash prize. On the way home, the boys all agreed that this was a much better way to spend a Saturday morning than just sleeping in.

Comments from a  very proud Headmaster, Dr. Tom Dellario:

When I first received the invitation from the organizers of the Pan Asia International School Mathematics Challenge I was reluctant to pass along the information to our math teachers. My first thoughts were to protect or shield our students because we are very brand new school. With no experience in any competition with other international schools I was fearful of their pride being hurt if they did not perform well.

My second thoughts however made me realize they will never get that kind of experience if they don’t accept new challenges. When I first learned that our 7th graders came way with the first place trophy, I could not have been any more proud of these young men. Distinguishing themselves and our school in the eyes of the international community academically justifies that we are doing what we say we are doing. As a proud Headmaster it is always comforting to have this kind of positive reinforcement for all the teaching and learning going on at Berkeley International School.

Congratulations to Berkeley International School Students’ Headmaster’s Award, High Honor and Honor Roll Students for the 2011-2012 Second Quarter!

Headmaster's Award

High Honors Award

Honors Award

On Monday, February 6th, 2012, Berkeley’s K2 and K3 classes went on a field trip to the Bangsaen Aquarium. Three vans took the children and teachers an hour away from the school to view various fish and sea creatures that can be found in Thailand’s seas. Interesting creatures such as eels, nautiluses, sea horses, sea anemones, miniature sharks, and many different colored fish were seen by all. The Bangsaen Aquarium really has a lot to offer as far as various types of sea creatures. There was even an arch-way aquarium where the children could see sting rays swimming above them. Teachers reamarked that they saw fish that were almost as large as our students! After a tour of the aquarium, everyone explored the gift shop, where the teachers purchased posters of all of Thailand’s fish for their classrooms. We ate a nicely packed lunch on the Aquarium’s picnic table and then toured the 2nd floor of the Aquarium, where we could see artifacts from the history of the fishing industry in Thailand. Finally, we took a little stroll along the beach and took some pictures, before boarding the vans and heading back to school in the afternoon.

It was a great day for all!

Along with their theme of saving the world, all the middle school students participated in their first “Campaign Day” on February 3rd, 2012.   The Campaign Day encouraged each student to take up a current world science issue and create a display, and inform other students and teachers how to best solve the issue.  The Grade 5 explained the need for water conservation and practical ways to do it.  The Grade 6 warned of the consequences of global warming and how to slow it.  Lastly, the Grade 7 took sides on the issue of Genetic Engineering, discussing the benefits and limitations of this field of science.  It was splendid to see students both teaching to and learning from other students.  This Campaign was an important precursor to the Middle School Science fair that will occur in late April or early May.  If you want to know what the students are learning, just ask them and you will  be amazed!

Hej!

On Monday, January 30, 2012, K2 and K3 students went on their half day field trip to IKEA. The K2 and K3 classes were excited to be the first school tour of the newly opened IKEA in Bangna.  Justin’s mommy, Erika, works at IKEA and helped arrange the visit, which coincided with our study of community jobs.  Students from the age of 4 to 10 enrolled in the free Småland passport program.  Kids in the Småland program earn points with each visit to IKEA after checking in at the Mushroom Check-In Station.  Our students were happy to receive their first 50 cent sticker after having their photos taken.  Småland points can be redeemed for buttons and t-shirts on display near the play area.  Many students have already returned to earn a button worth a Småland $1.  The Småland passport program teaches kids early on about saving as well as recycling!  IKEA accepts newspapers and cardboard boxes for recycling.  Parents can take their recyclables to the Småland Mushroom Check-In Station to be weighed for a special green point.  Three green points earn kids an extra 50 cents for their Småland passports!

After the K2 and K3s enrolled in the Småland program IKEA Bangna’s marketing representative, Ms. Nuch, took us on a tour of the 2nd floor.  The kids were so excited to try out the different kinds of furniture, especially in the sofa area!  We ended our tour in the children’s toy section with a special stop downstairs for some complimentary ice cream.

K2 and K3 would like to give a special thanks to the IKEA staff for arranging the itinerary for such a lovely and memorable visit!

On January 25, 2012, the Berkeley Middle School Students traveled to and explored the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority Museum. This trip was primarily part of the Grade 5 and 6 students learning about our limited freshwater supply.  Furthermore, the students learned how water is cleaned and distributed to their homes by touring the old water treatment plant.  They had a great time learning and exploring on the field trip and at the end each student was even given a nice souvenir cup!

On Friday January 27, 2012 Berkeley teachers invited two policemen with the thought that this would be a great opportunity to visit our kindergarten and grade one classes. Their visit to the School was to enhance student learning about safety and their local community. They spoke to the children about safety, traffic signals and what to do if they get lost.  The children had great fun learning the traffic signals and all joined together with the policemen to demonstrate.  They also learned the importance of wearing seat belts and what happens when they don’t wear them, now that’s scary Moms and Dads, so remember to always Buckle Up and stay safe.

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè!  Gong Hei Fat Choi!  Happy Chinese New Year!

On January 23 2012, the Berkeley community came together to celebrate the  Chinese New Year. Our kindergarten students welcomed the Year of the Dragon with a parade around the school driveway.  Pre-K through K3  spent the week beforehand preparing masks, lanterns and, most importantly, their class dragon heads for the lunar new year parade.  Dragon heads were made using recycled boxes and egg cartons.  The kids gave our recycled materials new life with their use of bright colors, especially with the Chinese lucky colors green (prosperity) and red (good fortune).  The parade was joined by elementary and middle school students along with parents and their families. Everyone  wore a traditional Chinese outfit, a Chinese t-shirt or at least something red which made a very colorful parade.

Our lovely office staff (Ms. Caroline, Ms. Sharon and Ms. Ann) passed out lucky red envelopes stuffed with gold chocolate coins to all the Kindergarten through Middle School kids.  We wish everyone health, happiness and continued prosperity in the new year.

On Monday, January 23 2012, Kindergarten students are having  a Chinese New Year Parade around the front driveway of the school. The parade will last around 15-20 minutes, giving parents, grandparents etc an opportunity to take photos. The parade will start at around 8.30am once all the children have arrived at school. On this day, everyone is expected to wear a traditional Chinese outfit, a Chinese t-shirt or at least something red. We shall also be having refreshments in the Kindergarten pick up area. We look forward to seeing you all here.

In celebration of Children’s Day in Thailand, Berkeley International School hosted a small morning assembly. The office administrative staff generously made gift bags filled with candy and other fun things, and distributed them to each student, presided over by Ms. Naruemol, Berkeley’s Thai Director. The school encouraged students to leave their uniforms at home and celebrate the day as a non-uniform day creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for Children’s Day.