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Monthly Newsletter - April 2026

  • Writer: AISB News
    AISB News
  • 39 minutes ago
  • 17 min read


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Our Director's Update


Dear Parents and Friends,


April has been a vibrant and purposeful month across AISB, with students from Early Years through to Secondary engaged in meaningful learning experiences that continue to build confidence, curiosity, and independence. It has been a pleasure to see students actively participating in both classroom and real-world learning.


This month has strongly reflected our AISB values of Personal Best, Respect, and Community. From Songkran and ANZAC Day to Book Week and the Swim Carnival, students have demonstrated enthusiasm, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging. These experiences support the development of critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and global awareness.


It has also been pleasing to see the strength of our school–home partnership through parent involvement and authentic learning opportunities that enrich students’ understanding.

As we move further into Term 3, we remain committed to high-quality teaching and ensuring every student is supported and challenged in their learning journey.


Thank you, as always, for your continued support and for being an important part of the AISB community.

Warm regards,

Henri Bemelmans

Director






Celebrating Success


Pimmada has recently departed AISB to begin the next exciting chapter of her academic journey at university, where she will be pursuing a degree in Law. During her time at AISB, Pimmada demonstrated strong dedication to her studies and a clear sense of ambition, consistently approaching her work with maturity and focus.



We are proud of her achievements and have no doubt that she will continue to thrive in her university studies and beyond. The AISB community wishes Pimmada every success in her future endeavors.


Celebrating Nessa’s Achievement in Ice Hockey


We are proud to congratulate Nessa from Year 2 Bettongs on her outstanding success at the 2026 Mega Ice Hockey 5’s in Hong Kong. Representing Bangkok Zeus, her team competed against 14 international teams and secured the gold medal in the U7C division.



Nessa also achieved a special milestone, becoming the first player on her team to receive the MVP of the Match award in their opening game, an incredible accomplishment. Well done, Nessa! Your dedication and achievement are an inspiration to our AISB community.

Early Years Update

Written by Sheridan Musto, Head of Early Years and Soi 20 Campus


April has been a vibrant and meaningful month across our Early Years campus, filled with celebration, reflection, and purposeful learning experiences.




We began the month by celebrating Songkran, providing children with meaningful cultural experiences that connected them to Thai traditions. Through engaging in water play, participating in a respectful Wai Kru experience, and enjoying a variety of traditional Thai treats, students developed an appreciation for the values of gratitude, respect, and cultural celebration.



Watch the Songkran celebration here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18Up6TRQUd/ 




A special thank you to our Soi 20 Thai Teachers, Ms Ling and Ms Muk, for their incredible effort in transforming our green space into a beautiful and authentic celebration area. We also extend our thanks to all staff who supported the setup and organisation of this special event.


The Songkran term break provided a well-deserved opportunity for both students and staff to rest and recharge. This aligns closely with our wellbeing and mindfulness focus, highlighting the importance of rest, balance, and emotional regulation. It has been wonderful to see everyone return refreshed, calm, and ready to begin Term 3 with renewed energy and enthusiasm.


We began Term 3 with a strong focus on Earth Day in our Nursery and PreK1 classes, engaging children in meaningful learning experiences centred around caring for our planet. This connected closely with our ongoing commitment to sustainability through initiatives such as Paper-Free Days, while supporting the development of environmental awareness, responsibility, and respect for the world around us.



We concluded the month with our much-anticipated Book Week, celebrating a love of reading and storytelling across all year levels.



Highlights included:


  • Storybook Character Dress-Up Day, with students bringing their favourite characters to life

  • Snuggle & Story Day, where children came to school in their pyjamas and shared their favourite books

  • Parent Guest Readers, strengthening our home-school partnership and love of literacy

  • Collecting book donations for the Always Reading Caravan, supporting our wider community




It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm for books and storytelling throughout the week.


We also hosted Parent Information Sessions at both the 313 and Soi 31 campuses for families considering their child’s transition into Foundation, Year 1, and Year 2. These sessions provided an opportunity for families to explore the different campus environments, gain a deeper understanding of the learning programs, and support informed decision-making as they plan for the next stage of their child’s educational journey. 



Building on this, students also took part in Transition Days to both the 313 and Soi 31 campuses. These visits provided valuable opportunities for children to become familiar with their new environments, meet staff, and engage in learning experiences within their future settings. This is an important step in supporting a confident and positive transition for our students as they prepare for the next stage of their schooling journey.



Our PreK1 and PreK2 students have begun learning and strengthening new routines this term in preparation for their upcoming transition in August. In PreK1, there has been a focus on developing independence with toileting routines, while PreK2 students are increasingly engaging in more structured learning experiences, supporting their readiness for the next stage of their learning journey.


Thank you to our families for your continued support, and to our staff for their dedication and commitment to creating a nurturing and engaging environment for all children.


Primary Update

Written by Hannah Carew, Head of Primary


Celebrating Learning, Culture and Community at AISB – April Highlights and Looking Ahead to May


April welcomed the Thai New Year and the beginning of Term 3 for AISB students and families. We extend a warm welcome back to our returning families and a very special welcome to the new families joining our Amaroo and Primary campuses. We look forward to getting to know you all as you become part of the AISB community.


As we reflect on the events of April, I am incredibly proud and inspired by the talents of our AISB students and teachers during the Musical Matinee performances. It was wonderful to see students confidently perform on stage, showcasing their skills across piano, violin, guitar, traditional Thai instruments, ukulele, as well as performances from our AISB bands and choir. The performances were thoroughly enjoyable, and we congratulate everyone involved on their amazing effort and dedication.



The Spirit of AISB challenges once again encouraged high levels of participation, with students engaging in activities that promoted kindness, compassion, communication, and respect while earning house points and demonstrating our AISB school values.



We finished Term 2 strongly with our Thai Songkran celebrations. A huge thank you to the Thai teaching team for organising such a vibrant and memorable event for students from Year 1 to Year 12 through the theme of a traditional Thai temple fair. Students enjoyed cultural activities, delicious food stalls, Thai games, and of course the much-anticipated water splashing celebrations that ensured no one went home dry.


Watch the Songkran celebration here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18Up6TRQUd/



As we returned for Term 3, Australians commemorated ANZAC Day on April 25th, a significant day of remembrance honouring those who lost their lives in conflict and war. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women who gave up their today so others could have a better tomorrow. We thank Mr Michael for organising the AISB ANZAC commemoration, along with all teachers, families, and members of the AISB community who attended the dawn service in recognition of this important occasion in Australian history.



We concluded the month of April with a wonderful celebration of Book Week across our three Primary campuses. Students enthusiastically participated in character dress-up days, parades, book scavenger hunts, bookmark competitions, and the book fair. It has been fantastic to see the children so engaged and excited about reading as we celebrated this year’s theme, Breaking Borders Through Books.



Looking ahead to May, we will acknowledge another important celebration in Australia, Mother’s Day, where we recognise and celebrate all mothers and significant caregivers within our families. Our Primary campuses will honour the amazing work and support of our mums with a Mother’s Day Breakfast on Friday 8th May 2026, and we look forward to welcoming families to this special event.


May and June will also bring together a wonderful celebration of learning through performances across all year levels from Foundation to Year 6. Students and teachers have been working incredibly hard in preparation for these end-of-year performances, and we are excited for families and friends to enjoy and celebrate the achievements and talents of our students.


Bounce Back  - May - Core and Social Values 


Core and social values help children build positive relationships, develop resilience, and strengthen their sense of belonging within their community. Children are encouraged to act on their values consistently, even when it may be difficult, by showing honesty, responsibility, and respect for others. Learning to be truthful, take responsibility for mistakes, and continue striving to improve are important foundations for personal growth and character development. 


AISB Values 


Our students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, make responsible decisions, and act with consideration for others and the environment. They strive to serve their communities positively while always aiming to achieve their personal best through perseverance and pride in their achievements. The school values wellbeing, respect, integrity, and community, supporting students to take responsibility for their actions and build meaningful relationships. Students also develop a global outlook, recognising their role as responsible global citizens who contribute to protecting and improving the world.


Bringing Learning to Life Through Community


Year 3 students explored history and culture through meaningful parent-led experiences, deepening understanding beyond the classroom.


Our Year 3 students recently experienced a meaningful learning opportunity through two special parent presentations, highlighting the strength of our school community. Cam delivered an engaging session that brought history to life, sharing authentic artefacts such as World War I medals, leather dog tags, and original passes and ration sheets. He also sourced documents from the National Archives of Australia, allowing students to explore and read them firsthand. His effort and thoughtful approach created a memorable and immersive experience, further enriched by his visit to the classroom afterwards to extend students’ understanding.



We were also delighted to welcome Carrie Liu, a parent from the Magpies class, who presented a thoughtful reflection on the symbolism of the poppy through a story about a red flower in China. Her presentation offered a unique cultural perspective and encouraged deeper reflection among the students. Both presentations demonstrated the value of parent involvement in enriching learning experiences, and we are truly grateful for the time, care, and effort shared with our students.


A Story Beyond Sight: Inspiring Learning with Ms Yoshimi

Fostering empathy, inclusion, and global understanding through real-life stories


Book Week across Primary brought our theme, Breaking Borders Through Books, to life, reminding students that stories can build understanding and connect us beyond our own experiences.



A highlight of the week was the visit of Ms Yoshimi, founder of Ark Hon Yomi Tai, who shared her inspiring journey of living with visual impairment and her work in creating access to books through community and mobile libraries in Thailand.



Working with our Year 3 students, Ms Yoshimi led meaningful activities including tactile experiences, braille card making, and thoughtful discussions. Her visit encouraged students to reflect on empathy, inclusion, and how we understand the world from different perspectives.


This experience provides a powerful opportunity to build awareness and reinforce our shared values, particularly respect, icommunity, and global outlook. Students were invited to think critically about how we could identify a favourite colour if we could not see. Some of the wonderful ideas have been shared with our community attached.



We extend our sincere thanks to Ms. Yoko for supporting the coordination of this valuable opportunity.

Secondary Update

Written by Michael Bryce, Head of Secondary


April has been a busy and productive month in our Secondary School, filled with meaningful experiences and key milestones.


School Life & Recent Highlights


Students enjoyed a joyful Songkran celebration, embracing Thai culture through water activities and a strong sense of community.





Students proudly participated in our Swim Carnival, demonstrating teamwork, resilience, and school spirit throughout the event.



We also marked ANZAC Day, taking time to reflect, remember, and honour the values of courage, sacrifice, and service.





Watch the ANZAC commemoration service here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1B2FVRhiZt/


In addition, the Kirribilli Undercroft has been upgraded with astroturf, creating a more comfortable and quieter space for students to enjoy during snack and lunchtime.


Updates to Academic Awards


This year, we are introducing a refined structure for our Academic Awards.


Morning homeroom sessions on 10 June will recognise:

  • First in Class (highest achievement in each course)

  • Most Improved (award name to be finalised)


In the afternoon, a formal assembly will celebrate:

  • First in Course across each year level (e.g. First in Year 7 Mathematics)

  • Selected Academic and Sporting Awards


The afternoon assembly will also be live streamed for families who are unable to attend in person.


School Environment Enhancements


We are pleased to share that the Kirribilli Undercroft has been upgraded with astroturf. This improvement creates a more comfortable and quieter space for students to enjoy during snack and lunchtime.


Celebrating Mother’s Day


We warmly invite all mothers and female carers to join us for our Mother’s Day Cupcakes Morning on 7 May at 9:00am in the Kirribilli Undercroft. Invitations have been sent and will be shared again shortly, we look forward to welcoming you.



Student Leadership Opportunities


The Student Council Election process for 2026–2027 has officially begun. We encourage all students to get involved, whether by participating in the process or standing as a candidate. It is a valuable opportunity to develop leadership skills and contribute to school life.


We look forward to a continued term of growth, achievement, and meaningful experiences for our students.


 Year 8 Freycinet English - Why Walk for Water? 


In April, Year 8 Freycinet English students began their study of A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, exploring the true story of Salva, a South Sudanese refugee. To build understanding, students took part in an experiential activity—carrying a 4-kilo container of water in a hot classroom—offering a glimpse into the daily reality of Nya, an 11-year-old girl who walks long distances each day to collect water for her family.



Throughout the term, students will explore themes of perseverance, hope, and resilience while analysing perspective, setting, and character development through the novel’s dual narrative. The unit will culminate in reflective projects such as journaling and resource analysis, encouraging students to deepen their empathy and global awareness—reinforcing the idea that reading can inspire both understanding and meaningful action.


Year 9 Students Take Learning Beyond the Classroom at SWU Market


This April, our Year 9 students stepped beyond the classroom and into a real-world business environment at Srinakharinwirot University Market (SWU Market). Through hands-on exploration, they observed how businesses operate, analysing branding, pricing, and customer behaviour while engaging directly with vendors. By asking questions, negotiating, and reflecting in real time, students gained practical insight into the realities of running a business and built confidence in communicating within an authentic setting.



A key learning moment came as students compared local vendors with global brands like Starbucks, deepening their understanding of cost structures, pricing strategies, and competitive advantage. This experience strengthened their Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise learning and helped refine their own Market Day ideas. Beyond business knowledge, students developed cultural awareness, resilience, and entrepreneurial thinking, showing that meaningful learning happens when it connects directly to the real world.


We would like to share some key dates and updates with our community.


Key Dates to Remember


  • 28 April – Summer Exams and Study Leave begin

  • 7 May – Cupcakes for Mother’s Day (9:00–10:00am, Kirribilli Undercroft)

  • 7 May – Afternoon Meeting: Summer School Preparation

  • 7 May – CAPA Show (3:30–6:00pm, Kirribilli)

  • 18–29 May – Years 7–9 Exams

  • 8 June – Year 6 Orientation & Year 7 Field Trip

  • 10 June – Awards Assembly (Years 7–11, from 1:00pm)

  • 10 June – School Dance (5:30–9:00pm)

  • 11 June – Year 12 Graduation (from 1:00pm)


STEAM Update

Written by Mr Gareth Openshaw, Head of STEAM


This month the STEAM Department held their annual parent workshops at the Innovation Centre. Families attended workshops designed to allow them to experience lessons in STEAM, Art and Design, and Digital Technologies through the eyes of their child, while also having the opportunity to understand what are why their children are learning.




Furthermore, the Innovation Centre was turned into a showcase of student work for all to explore.


CAPA Festival Returns for Its Second Year!


Following the outstanding success of last year’s event, we are delighted to announce the return of our CAPA Festival (Creative and Performing Arts) for a second year. This exciting evening promises to be a vibrant celebration of the arts, bringing together Music, Dance, and Drama in one spectacular showcase, alongside a special Art & Design Exhibition featuring creative work from our artists.



Date: 7th May 2026

Time: 3:30pm


The CAPA Festival provides a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase the work they have been developing throughout the year, both in lessons and through our extra-curricular activities. Audiences can look forward to a dynamic programme of performances and the Art & Design Exhibition, highlighting the creativity, dedication, and talent of our students across the Creative and Performing Arts.


This special event celebrates not only performance and artistic skills, but also the confidence, collaboration, and imagination that the arts help to nurture. We are incredibly proud of the commitment students have shown, and this festival offers them the chance to share their hard work with the school community.



We warmly invite families and friends to join us for an inspiring evening as we come together to celebrate the creativity and talent within our school community.


Sports and ASA


Our AISB students delivered an outstanding performance at the Chess Without Borders 6 tournament, where 33 players proudly represented the school among nearly 120 competitors from around 20 schools across Bangkok.



We are also proud to share that AISB was awarded Best School at the tournament, a wonderful recognition of the passion, teamwork, and dedication of our young chess players.


Supporting Young People in a World of Constant News and Global Pressures


In today’s connected world, young people are exposed to global events more than any generation before them. News updates, social media feeds, and online conversations mean that political tensions, conflicts, economic concerns and environmental challenges can appear constantly in their daily lives. While staying informed is valuable, the intensity and frequency of this information can also create anxiety, confusion, or a sense of helplessness for many students.


Research from organisations such as the Australian eSafety Commissioner and ReachOut Australia suggests that continuous exposure to distressing news, sometimes called ‘doomscrolling’, can increase stress and reduce young people’s sense of control. Similarly, the Australian mental health organisation Beyond Blue notes that young people often experience heightened anxiety when global issues feel overwhelming or when online discussions become polarised.


As parents and caregivers, there are several practical ways families can help young people navigate this environment with resilience and confidence.


Primary-aged students


In primary-aged children, distress linked to upsetting news or global events may show up differently depending on age. Younger students may become more clingy, tearful, or worried about safety and separation, while older primary students may show irritability, difficulty concentrating, increased worry, reassurance-seeking, or withdrawal.


Adolescents


For adolescents, stress linked to upsetting news or global events may be noticed through irritability, withdrawal, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, increased time spent consuming online content, or heightened anxiety about safety, the future, or issues beyond their control.


Create space for open conversations


Young people benefit from knowing that they can talk about what they are seeing or hearing. Asking open questions such as “What have you heard about this?” or “How are people talking about it online?” allows children and teenagers to express their thoughts without feeling judged. Listening first, before offering explanations, helps them feel supported and respected.


Help young people understand the news


Global events can be complex. Families can support their children by helping them distinguish between reliable information and misinformation. Encourage them to check credible sources and discuss how social media algorithms can amplify dramatic or emotional content. This helps build critical thinking and media literacy.


Encourage healthy digital habits


Research from the Australian eSafety Commissioner recommends balancing online engagement with time away from screens. Families might consider:


  • setting agreed “screen-free” times, especially before bed

  • encouraging breaks from news-heavy content

  • supporting hobbies, sports, reading, or outdoor activities.


These habits help young people maintain perspective and emotional balance.


Focus on what can be controlled


Many global challenges feel distant and overwhelming. Parents can help young people shift their focus to positive action in their own communities. Activities such as volunteering, sustainability initiatives, student leadership, or community service help students feel empowered rather than powerless.


Model calm and thoughtful responses


Children and teenagers often take cues from the adults around them. Demonstrating balanced responses to news, staying informed without becoming overwhelmed, shows young people that it is possible to engage with global issues thoughtfully and constructively.


Reassure and maintain perspective


Finally, it is important to remind young people that periods of global uncertainty are not new in human history. Communities, cooperation and innovation continue to shape positive change around the world. Maintaining hope and perspective can help students feel more secure and optimistic about the future.


As a school community, we believe that strong partnerships between families and educators are essential in supporting students’ wellbeing. By encouraging open dialogue, critical thinking and balanced digital habits, we can help young people remain informed global citizens while also protecting their mental health and sense of possibility.


Mark Pearce

Deputy Head of Primary 

Head of Teaching and Learning

Explicit Instruction at AISB: Supporting Every Learner


Our Approach to High-Quality Learning


At AISB, our school-wide pedagogy is centred on High-Quality Learning and Teaching, designed to ensure every student is supported, challenged and able to reach their full potential. This approach is guided by four key pillars: explicit instruction, differentiated instruction, collaborative learning, and assessment for learning.


Together, these pillars shape how teaching and learning take place in our classrooms. Teachers use clear and structured instruction, adapt learning to meet individual needs, create opportunities for collaboration, and use assessment to guide next steps.


Our Purpose and Learning Environment


Underpinning this approach is our moral purpose of creating a safe, supportive and engaging environment where students develop strong academic foundations alongside critical and creative thinking, effective communication, and global awareness.


What is Explicit Instruction?


At AISB, explicit instruction is a key approach that ensures students understand what they are learning, why it matters, and how to succeed. Teachers make learning goals, success criteria and key concepts visible, guiding students step-by-step before providing opportunities for practice and application.


What Research Tells Us


Research consistently highlights explicit instruction as a highly effective teaching approach. Educational researcher Allan Luke describes it as teaching where goals and expectations are clear and transparent. Studies such as John Hattie’s Visible Learning and guidance from the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) emphasise the impact of clear explanations, modelling and guided practice on student achievement.


Explicit Instruction in Practice


At AISB, this approach supports strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and critical thinking. Teachers break complex skills into manageable steps—modelling reading strategies, sound–letter relationships, and mathematical problem-solving before students practise independently.


Balancing Teaching Approaches


Explicit instruction does not mean passive learning. It is most effective when combined with inquiry, collaboration, discussion and real-world learning experiences, allowing students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.


Our Teaching Cycle


Our teachers follow a structured cycle that includes clear learning intentions, teacher modelling, guided practice, independent practice, and feedback and reflection. This ensures learning is accessible while maintaining high expectations.


Supporting Confident Learners


Ultimately, explicit instruction helps every student feel confident and capable. By combining clear teaching with engaging experiences, we build the skills, understanding and mindset students need to succeed.


Our Commitment to Quality Teaching


At AISB, quality teaching remains the most powerful influence on student learning. Through explicit instruction and thoughtful curriculum design, we create classrooms where students feel supported, challenged and inspired.


References

Luke, A. (2013). On explicit and direct instruction. ALEA Hot Topics. Australian Literacy Educators’ Association. 

On Explicit and Direct Instruct…

Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO). (2023). Explicit instruction explained. Australian Education Research Organisation. https://www.edresearch.edu.au

Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. Routledge.

Hattie, J. (2012). Visible learning for teachers: Maximizing impact on learning. Routledge.

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). (2022). Australian Curriculum Version 9.0. https://v9.australiancurriculum.edu.au


Mark Pearce

Deputy Head of Primary 

Head of Teaching and Learning


English as an Additional Language (EAL)


From an English as an Additional Language (EAL) perspective at AISB, explicit instruction plays an essential role in helping multilingual learners develop the language skills needed to access the curriculum and participate confidently in classroom learning. In EAL lessons, teachers use clear learning intentions, structured modelling, and step-by-step guidance to help students understand new vocabulary, language structures, and academic concepts. By making language visible and purposeful, students learn not only what they are learning but also how to use English effectively in speaking, reading, and writing.


EAL teachers also differentiate instruction to meet students’ varying levels of English proficiency, providing scaffolds such as visuals, sentence frames, and guided practice to support comprehension and language production. Through collaborative activities and meaningful communication tasks, students are encouraged to practise new language in authentic contexts. Ongoing formative assessment helps teachers monitor language development and adjust instruction to support each learner’s progress.


This structured yet supportive approach ensures that multilingual learners build the confidence, academic language, and communication skills needed to succeed across all subject areas while becoming active and engaged members of the AISB learning community.


Mr Timothy Dickens

Head of EAL

That's all for this month!

We hope you enjoyed this month's newsletter. If you have any feedback or news you'd like to share for our next newsletter, please send us an email at enquiries@australianisb.ac.th.




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