Monthly Newsletter - December 2025

AISB News
2 days ago
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Updated: 1 day ago

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Our Director's Update

Teaching and Learning

STEAM

English as Additional Language - EAL

Our Director's Update

Dear Parents and Friends,

With the conclusion of Semester 1, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all members of our school community for making the first half of the academic year so remarkable. It has been a joy to witness our students’ growth, from the curiosity sparked in our Early Years classrooms to the academic milestones achieved in the Primary and Secondary levels.

This semester has been defined by our AISB values, especially those of Personal Best and Community. Whether it was through the competitive sporting fixtures, creative and performing arts - especially the Winter Concerts - or the daily buzz of learning in our classrooms, our students have consistently demonstrated resilience, confidence and a passion for excellence. These achievements are a testament to the partnership between our dedicated educators and you, our supportive parents. My sincere thanks to you all.

As the holiday season approaches, we wish all our families a safe, restful, and Merry Christmas. May the New Year 2026 bring you joy, peace, and prosperity. We look forward to seeing everyone return refreshed and ready for an even more inspiration in Terms 2 & 3, on Tuesday 13^th January.

Thank you for being part of the AISB journey. Enjoy the well-deserved break!

Please look for a recent email regarding our Parent Survey 2025.

To ensure we are continually meeting the needs of our students and families, and to help us plan for an even better year ahead, we kindly request that you take a few minutes to complete our short Annual Parent Survey. Your honest and constructive feedback across key areas, such as academics, school communication, extracurricular activities, and overall school environment, is crucial. It provides us with the necessary data to make informed decisions and improve the AISB experience for everyone.

Thank you in advance for your valuable feedback.

Warm regards,

Henri Bemelmans

Director

Early Years Update

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

As we come to the end of a busy and rewarding term at our Soi 20 campus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the learning, celebrations, and community spirit we’ve shared over the past few weeks.

Concerts & Celebrations 🎶

Our campus has truly come alive with music and performance.

Early Years, Foundation, and Year 1 students have all taken part in concerts this term, showing confidence, creativity, and joy.

From our youngest Nursery performers stepping on stage for the very first time, to our older students demonstrating teamwork and stage presence, these events have been a proud moment for our school community.

A huge thank you to our teachers, specialist staff, and families for supporting rehearsals, costumes, and attendance — these experiences mean so much to our students.

Wellbeing & Mindfulness 🧠

Wellbeing and mindfulness have continued to be an important focus across the campus, particularly in early years, with daily routines supporting emotional regulation, calm transitions, and positive relationships. These practices are becoming an embedded part of classroom life, and we look forward to strengthening them further next term as part of our ongoing commitment to children’s wellbeing.

Sustainability & Community in Action 🌱

This term, our sustainability efforts have continued to grow, with students learning about caring for shared spaces, reusing materials, and making thoughtful choices in their daily routines. A highlight has been seeing our community extend this care beyond campus through support for the wider Bangkok community. Thank you to our families who generously contributed to the Hat Yai appeal in partnership with AustCham. Your donations of reusable items went above and beyond and have now been delivered to official collection points. This is a meaningful example of our AISB value of Community put into practice.

We are also incredibly proud of our community’s support for the Bangkok Community Help Shoebox Christmas Gift initiative this term. Families generously donated gift boxes filled with thoughtful items to help bring joy to children and families in need during the festive season. This initiative provided a meaningful opportunity for our students to learn about kindness, empathy, and helping others, and it reflects our shared commitment to making a positive difference beyond our school gates. Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously.

End-of-Term Celebrations 🎉

As we wrap up the term, classes have enjoyed end-of-term celebrations, reflecting on learning, friendships, and achievements. These moments help children recognise their progress and celebrate being part of a learning community. To add to the festive spirit, Santa also visited our campus on the final day of term, bringing smiles, excitement, and a touch of holiday magic.

This term would not be possible without the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the ongoing support of our families. Thank you for your flexibility during a busy period filled with events, schedule changes, and celebrations.

We wish all our families a safe, restful, and joyful holiday break, whether you are staying in Bangkok or travelling abroad. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for an exciting new term ahead.

Primary Update

Written by Hannah Carew, Head of Primary

As we come to the close of Term 1, it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many achievements of our students and the vibrant AISB Primary community.

This term has been filled with exciting learning experiences both in and beyond the classroom. Our students have embraced opportunities such as chess tournaments, coding and robotics competitions, also Mathematics and Science competitions in addition to swimming, dance, and football, all of which have helped them grow in confidence, skill, and teamwork.

Within school, students have also enjoyed rich learning experiences including Eco-ween, with its strong focus on sustainability, Year 4, 5, and 6 field trips, and student-led conferences.

It has been a busy and incredibly rewarding term, and it has been a joy to see our children flourish—not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. Through the Spirit of AISB Values Challenges, students have continued to develop a deeper understanding of our school values and proudly demonstrate these in their everyday actions.

A very special thank you goes to our dedicated teachers, teaching assistants, nannies, support staff, and administration teams for their outstanding work this term. Their efforts were beautifully showcased during our seven Winter Concert performances over three days. These festive and joyful performances captured the spirit of our community and left us all with lasting smiles.

Secondary Update

Written by Michael Bryce, Head of Secondary

Welcome to the final secondary school update of 2025.

Examinations for Years 7 to 10 have now concluded, and reports were issued on 18 December. Students can enjoy a well-earned three-week break to rest and recharge before the start of Term 2.

Our senior students are reminded to stay up to date with key announcements, as mock examinations will take place from 23 to 27 March 2026.

We encourage our students to prioritise their wellbeing over the holiday, return refreshed, and make time for family, rest and celebration.

A reminder that junior Parent–Teacher Meetings will be held in January 2026, scheduled across three afternoons to allow for longer, more meaningful conversations and deeper support for student progress.

Awards Assembly: Kindness & Subject Excellence

Our recent Awards Assembly, themed Kindness, celebrated students who embodied our school values through empathy, leadership and care for others.

From Year 7 through to our graduating students in Year 12, these awards highlighted both character and excellence—reminding us that achievement and kindness always shine brighter together.

As we closed Term 1, our secondary students came together for a series of community-building events that celebrated creativity, collaboration and school spirit beyond the classroom.

The Christmas Dance, inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas, transformed our campus into a space for bold costumes, self-expression and collective celebration. The costume party showcased originality and confidence, while strengthening the sense of belonging that defines our school community.

Our Secondary ASA Band also delivered an electrifying morning performance, bringing together drums, piano, guitar, flute, and live vocals in a moment shaped by rhythm, harmony and teamwork. Their performance was the result of weeks of practice, musical discipline, and a shared commitment to growing together.

Through our after-school music programme, students learn not only performance skills, but also collaboration, confidence, and self-belief—qualities that extend far beyond the stage.

We extend a special acknowledgement to our Secondary Student Council, who led the planning and organisation of the Christmas Dance. Their leadership ensured the event reflected genuine student voice, teamwork and connection, and we are proud of the responsibility, care and creativity they demonstrated throughout the process.

Learning continued beyond school walls as our Japanese class visited Sushiro, where students experienced authentic conveyor-belt sushi dining. For one student, this was her first time trying sushi, and her joy in discovering something new made the experience even more meaningful. It was wonderful to see students exploring culture through food, curiosity and shared smiles.

Secondary House Events

On the last day of school, our secondary students came together for special House events that celebrated sport, teamwork and friendly competition. Students took part in a variety of games and sports activities, finishing the term with energy, connection and shared pride.

We are proud of their spirit, camaraderie and the way they supported one another as we closed out the Term and stepped into a well-earned holiday break.

From all of us in the secondary school, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Wherever you are celebrating, please stay safe, take care of one another, and enjoy this special season with those who matter most.

We look forward to welcoming our students back in 2026—rested, inspired and ready for another term of growth and opportunity.

Season’s greetings from around the world:

Geseënde Kerfees en ’n Gelukkige Nuwe Jaar – Afrikaans

Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo – Brazilian Portuguese

Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar – Dutch

Colo sana wintom tiebeen – Egyptian Arabic

Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo – Inuktitut

Hyvää joulua – Finnish

Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année – French

Frohe Weihnachten – German

Καλά Χριστούγεννα – Greek

Mele Kalikimaka – Hawaiian

Mo’adim Lesimkha. Shana Tova – Hebrew

Nollaig Shona Dhuit – Irish

Buone Feste Natalizie – Italian

Shinnen omedetō. Kurisumasu Omedetō – Japanese

성탄 축하해요 (Sung Tan Chuk Ha) – Korean

Linksmų Kalėdų – Lithuanian

God Jul – Norwegian

Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia – Polish

Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo – Spanish

Suk̄hs̄ạnt̒ wạn khris̄t̒mās̄ (สุขสันต์วันคริสต์มาส) – Thai

Until next year

Mr Michael

Secondary.

STEAM Update

Written by Gareth Openshaw

Innovation Celebration Week

Our annual Innovation Centre Celebration week, called Splash Lab this year, was a huge success. The students really enjoyed the event, and learned a lot about ocean conservation and sustainability. Keep a lookout for news about our parent event next semester

A Change of Subject

In Semester 2, our primary school students will change their subjects of study at the Innovation Centre. Lower Primary classes (Years 1-3) will change from Digital Technologies to Visual Art and Design, while Upper Primary classes will do the opposite, changing from Visual Art and Design to Digital Technologies. Steam:Media and Design lessons will remain unchanged.

AISB Global Citizenship in Action: Making a Meaningful Impact This Holiday Season

As we approach the holiday season, we’re reminded that global citizenship is defined not only by what we learn, but by how we act. At AISB, Global Outlook invites us to make choices that support a kinder and more sustainable world.

Small actions matter—planning meals, freezing leftovers or donating essentials can reduce hunger, choosing LED lights and switching devices off saves energy, and opting for local or experience-based gifts supports ethical work and less waste.

This season also encourages wellbeing—time outdoors, tech-free family moments, and checking in on friends help care for both mind and body. Respecting nature through clean-ups and responsible disposal protects our oceans and green spaces.

Together, these simple choices reflect the spirit of community, care and shared responsibility. Wherever you are celebrating, stay safe, be kind, and take care of one another.

This year, AISB also has a very tangible opportunity to take action through the Hat Yai Flood Relief Appeal, coordinated by the Australian Chamber of Commerce. Many families in the Hat Yai region have been affected by unprecedented flooding, and together we can make a meaningful difference.

This holiday season, we invite AISB families to view the world as a classroom, one where empathy, responsibility and action shine brighter than any Christmas light. By working together, we not only strengthen our community but also nurture the global citizens our world needs.

Thank you for your participation in the Global Citizenship Community survey. Your input is essential in helping to shape a shared definition for what Global Citizenship truly means for AISB.

Mark Pearce

Deputy Head of Primary

Head of Teaching and Learning

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Embracing Holiday Opportunities at AISB

As we close Semester 1, we celebrate the growth, curiosity and engagement our students have shown. At AISB, we know that learning extends beyond the classroom, and the holidays offer a meaningful chance for students to apply their skills in real life.

Whether travelling abroad or exploring locally, students build literacy, numeracy and cultural understanding—through reading maps and timetables, budgeting, sequencing experiences, trying new foods, and learning simple phrases in another language. These small moments deepen intercultural awareness and reinforce our Global Outlook value.

For families staying in Bangkok, our vibrant city provides rich opportunities to explore museums, markets, art spaces and cultural landmarks that spark creativity and inquiry.

We invite families to embrace these experiences as part of the learning journey. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s growth as a learner and global citizen.

Wherever you are celebrating, stay safe, rest well, and take care of one another. We look forward to welcoming our students back—refreshed, curious and ready for another semester of discovery.

Mark Pearce

Deputy Head of Primary

Head of Teaching and Learning

Sports and ASA

Masterpiece Makers taken by Veronica Guarino

Our afternoons have been buzzing with color and creativity! The students loved the hands-on freedom to experiment with a wide mix of materials. We discovered colorful surprises scratching out designs on rainbow paper and got into the festive spirit by layering textures to build unique, mixed-media Christmas trees

We also explored the world of painting, trying out everything from bold, expressive strokes with classic tempera to the careful, calming rhythm of dot art. It has been a wonderful space for friends to create together, and a joy to see every student proud of the new things they made each week.

We did:

acrylic dot painting on colored paper
neon tempera freeform painting
rainbow scratch art
mixed media Xmas tree collage

Chess Player of the Month

Congratulations to Mako Tonegawa, who has once again earned the title of Chess Player of the Month. Mako prevailed in a field of 18 players, winning all of her games with focus and consistency.

A big well done also to the other 17 competitors, who played solidly and, most importantly, gained valuable experience—experience that will serve them well should they choose to take part in the King’s Chess Championship on 8 February 2026.

A special shout out to Ekta for her excellent work as our Pairings Officer, and sincere thanks to everyone involved across both campuses—our tech team, teaching assistants, administrators, and nannies—for their support in delivering such a successful event.

English as Additional Language - EAL

During the holiday break, families can help their children continue building their English skills through fun and engaging activities. Encourage students to read books of their choice, watch English movies or cartoons with subtitles, and keep a simple holiday journal to practice writing.

Playing word games, exploring educational apps, and speaking English during daily routines—such as cooking, shopping, or travelling—also support language growth in meaningful ways. These light, enjoyable experiences help students maintain their progress while developing confidence and curiosity in using English beyond the classroom.

Mr. Timothy Dickens

Head of EAL

A Special Return to AISB After 20 Years

We recently welcomed back two former AISB students, Anna and Matthew, who attended our school in 2005. After 20 years, their family returned to Bangkok and revisited the place where their children began their learning journey.

“From the very first day, our children were treated with great understanding, compassion, and empathy. Within weeks, they were speaking English with confidence, and within months, it became the language they shared as siblings.”

— Petr Beneš

We are deeply grateful to Petr Beneš and his family for returning to our campus and for sharing their heartfelt reflections with our community.

King Rama IX Tribute at Clarendon Foyer

On 5 December, the birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) and Father’s Day, our Thai teachers prepared a heartfelt tribute at the Clarendon Foyer.

The display honoured his legacy and celebrated Thai culture, respect, and remembrance within our school community.

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.