News - 10 October 2014 07:43

NIST News - 10 October 2014

Next week brings United Nations Day, an event that celebrates our affiliation with the UN and also our own diverse community. In recognition that the UN stands for more than diversity, however, the whole week will include activities that call for reflection on the Millennium Development Goals and the ways in which we can tackle the global issues of the 21st century. We hope to see our whole community taking part!

IMPORTANT NOTICES

Ensuring You Receive NIST Mail

A few members of our community have contacted our IT office regarding NIST emails not being received. After investigating, we have found that some free email clients may mark the NIST Veracross account (m@email.veracross.com) as spam. To ensure that you receive emails if you are a Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo user, simply follow the directions in the appropriate link below:

If you encounter difficulties, feel free to contact the IT Department at techsupport@nist.ac.th.

Withdrawal Notification

While we would be pleased if all of our students could remain at NIST until graduation, we understand that in many cases, life takes families in different directions. As we complete the first half of the first semester of this school year, we would ask any families who are not returning to NIST for the second semester, starting in January 2015, to contact the NIST Admissions Department at admissions@nist.ac.th to inform us of your enrollment plans. If this is the case, we have provided information about the withdrawal process, as well as tips for preparing your child for the transition, on our website.

Art Auction Postponement

The upcoming NIST Art Auction was intended to help raise funds for the current development project. While we have received a positive reaction, several of those who would like to participate expressed that they would like more time to prepare their pieces, particularly since we are entering a busy period of the semester.

We are thus postponing the event to the second semester to allow more time for our NIST artists to complete their work to the best of their ability for the auction!

WHOLE SCHOOL

Journalist Seyi Rhodes Returning to NIST

A well-known correspondent on the Channel 4 (UK) programme Unreported World, Seyi Rhodes has documented human rights abuses in hotspots around the world, a mission that has taken him from the Caribbean to Asia, including southern Thailand. His experience with global issues, dialogue and peacemaking closely aligns with many of our community's values and learning goals, and through their interactions with Seyi, students gain new perspectives and connect their knowledge to real-life situations. For more information about Seyi, visit our website.

Cancer Support Group for NIST Parents and Staff

The NIST Cancer Support Group held its first meeting this month, and we encourage others to join us the second Wednesday of each month as we discuss how this disease affects us as patients, survivors and caregivers. We are using John Green's novel The Fault in Our Stars as a springboard for our conversation. To find out more, please contact Kristen (090-676-0174).

NIST Teacher Recognized by Stanford University for Excellence in Teaching

Each year Stanford University polls its incoming freshman class, asking the students to identify a "teacher or mentor who played a significant role in their intellectual, academic, social and personal development". This Teacher Tribute Initiative aims to recognize the central role teachers play in helping youth develop into reflective global citizens.

When asked to think of his mentor, NIST graduate Pavin Chayavivatkul named Matthew Manfredi, one of our secondary humanities teachers, who just received the certificate of recognition from Stanford. Congratulations, Matthew, and thank you for your dedication to our students!

United Nations Day – Read-aloud Volunteers Kindly Requested

As you are aware, NIST will celebrate United Nations Day over the week ending on Friday, 17 October. Your Elementary NIST Library is seeking some volunteer readers for the Friday lunch period to share favorite literature in their mother tongues and celebrate the diversity that makes NIST such a fabulous place! We are planning on two short sessions, so volunteers would read first from 11:45 AM to 12:00, then again From 12:10 - 12:25 PM to maximize the audiences by having different sections of elementary having lunch at different times. Easy! So why not volunteer?
Please contact Jennifer at jbaccon@nist.ac.th.

NIST Catering Offers New Service for Parties

Since its launch at the beginning of the year, NIST Catering has continued to expand its menu, and has also opened multiple locations around campus to provide our community with healthy snacks and drinks. Most recently, Mr. Stu and his team have created a new service for parents, students and staff who would like to add something special to birthdays and other celebrations.

Orders for party cupcakes can now be placed through nistcatering@nist.ac.th. Available in a wide range of combinations of cupcake and frosting flavors, they can be delivered right to the class by members of the NIST Catering staff. Check the full menu for additional details.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mr. Chicken Lands in London

Last week we were very privileged to have Australian author and illustrator Leigh Hobbs make a return visit on his way to London to launch his next book - you guessed it - Mr. Chicken Lands in London. Leigh spent time with our year 1 students, sharing a digital story about his naughty pal Old Tom and teaching the children how to draw Old Tom and Mr. Chicken. Leigh and the children celebrated our individuality, as was reflected through their amazing and all very different artwork...

Pssssttttt! Next Mr. Chicken is going to visit Rome...I asked Leigh about Mr. Chicken visiting Bangkok, but he was concerned Mr. Chicken could end up on a skewer for someone's dinner! Hee! Hee!(Or should I say 555!)

Cancer Care Run

On Monday and Tuesday, October 13 & 14th from 7:00-7:30 AM, a group of elementary students, along with members of the Kids Fighting Cancer student group, will be selling tickets and t-shirts for the upcoming Cancer Care Run (5K & 10K), which will take place in Lumphini Park on 1 November at 7:00 AM. Entry for the race is 350 Thai baht per person (t-shirt) or 500 Thai baht per person (polo shirt). Additionally, this fee includes a breakfast box and entry into the lucky draw. Funds raised go to the Thai Red Cross Cancer Institute. Please consider participating in a worthwhile and fun event. Look for the students selling the tickets and t-shirts at the gate on Monday and Tuesday.

SECONDARY SCHOOL

NLCS for Parents of DP Students

On Tuesday, 28 October, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, a NIST Learning Community Seminar will be held to provide parents of DP students with greater insight into the CAS process. In addition to a broad look at the steps involved, the session will also help you understand how you can support the process as a parent. To sign up for the session, visit the Secondary School Blog.

ECAs & SPORTS

Athletics Conference Set for Next Weekend at NIST

Proving that sports are more than just games, NIST will again play host to the 2014 International Association of Athletic Administrators & Coaches next week. A three-day event, it draws PE teachers, coaches and administrators from Asia and beyond, working together to improve sport education in schools. In addition allowing participants to network and establish relationships between schools, it also enables them to share current knowledge and practices in athletic education. Read more about the conference on the official website.

2014 Thailand Swimming Championship: Qualifying Round for 12th FINA World Swimming Championship

We are pleased to announce that NIST will be the host of the Thailand Swimming Championships this weekend, with the intention of supporting the sport in Thailand and creating an opportunity for our Falcon athletes to see some of the best swimmers in the country in action. The winners of the event will be going on to the FINA World Championship, to be held in Doha. The event will be open to members of the NIST community and will begin tomorrow at 9:00 AM.

Congratulations to Our BISAC Champions!

Last weekend our veteran Falcon teams were out in full force competing in several BISAC tournaments, with the U19 volleyball and soccer teams all competing in events at Bangkok Patana, ICS and here at NIST. Defending their titles from the previous year, our boys and girls volleyball teams once again seized the championships, both against ISB in the final round.

NIST PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION

UN Day: Friday, 17 October

At this celebration of all the countries that make up the NIST community, students will participate in a parade and have the opportunity to taste foods from around the world.

NIPTA is calling on parents to help make this a successful event. Parents can showcase their home countries' cuisines by donating a plate of typical food from their country.

Food contributions can be dropped off on Friday, 17 October from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM in the CAB kitchen (1st floor). We would appreciate if parents volunteer to help distribute food to students between 9:30 AM to noon. Please email NIPTA_CountryGroupLiaison@nist.ac.th if you are interested in donating food or volunteering to help.

NIPTA Secondary Parents Coffee Morning

Please join us from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for coffee and conversation on Wednesday, 29 October at The Hub Lounge (3rd floor).

NIPTA Lunches of the World Thai Feast

Parents are cordially invited to join an authentic, 9-course traditional Thai lunch hosted by NIPTA and the NIST Thai country group. A menu has been specifically chosen to highlight the diverse culinary flavours of our beautiful host country, Thailand. It promises to be a very enjoyable event, and spaces are strictly limited, so don't miss out!

Date: Friday, 31 October

Venue: Thai restaurant Taling Ping (25 Sukhumvit Soi 34)

Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

The cost is 500 Thai baht net per person for the set menu, plus drinks. Due to the highly anticipated interest expected for this new NIPTA event, please RSVP quickly, and no later than 29 October, by emailing nipta.nist@gmail.com.

You will receive a confirmation of attendance when you make your full payment directly to Khun Wanpen at the front office. 48 hours cancelation notice is required, or the charge becomes non-refundable.

Stay tuned for what exotic cuisine we will taste next, at NIPTA's Lunches of the World’ in November!

Starry Nights: Saturday, 29 November

Save the date! Tickets go on sale Monday, 10 November.

Starry Nights Performances: Are you interested in performing at Starry Nights? The event will be held on Saturday, 29 November from 5:00 PM onward. We’d love to showcase NIST talent in the form of dance, song or skits. There are a few available spots left to do just that at Starry Nights. Email nipta.nist@gmail.com if interested!

UPCOMING EVENTS

10-12 October: ARARTE Conference (See The Professional Learning Hub for more details.)
13-17 October: UN Week (17 October: UN Day Celebrations)
14-16 October: Supernova: The Musical (Sold out!)
16 October: Elementary Parents Coffee Morning (8:30 - 9:30 AM: Ratchapruek - 3309, Elementary Building)
18-20 October: IAAAC Conference (See above for more details.)
18-26: Mid-semester Break: No School
29 October: Japanese Culture Day (student celebration)

Next Week in Sports

15 October: U19 Boys Volleyball vs. BPS (3:30 PM at BPS)
15 October: U19 Girls Volleyball vs. BPS (3:30 PM at BPS)
15 October: U17 Girls Volleyball vs. HIS (3:30 PM at HIS)
16 October: U13 Girls Basketball vs. HIS (3:30 PM at NIST)
17-19 October: 3rd IAAAC Conference