NIST News - 20 February 2015

Spring is in the air, and time is flying by! We hope you enjoy the February break, as our community will be buzzing again in March. In addition to many upcoming events, we are also finalizing plans for the coming school year. The initial 2015-2016 calendar is available on the school website, excluding the 10-day cycle, and re-enrollment notifications will be arriving in your inboxes soon. Have a restful week, and we will see you in March!

WHOLE SCHOOL

Re-enrollment Process to Begin Soon

We will soon be sending out details regarding the re-enrollment process for the 2015-2016 school year. Re-enrollment benefits all students within the school in many ways:

"Knowing re-enrollment levels early in the spring aids a school in several ways. Most importantly, it allows more detailed budgeting to take place and hiring decisions to be made with the confidence that enrollment levels will support all planned positions. Supply orders, especially those with a very long lead time, can be placed with confidence."

As we prepare for the process, please feel free to  contact our Admissions Office with any questions you may have.

Can You Help Our Students?

We are looking for parents and employers to help us during our annual Work Experience Week from 25 to 29 May, in which our year 11 students complete work placements at companies throughout Bangkok. This programme has proven to be a great success over the years, and one that provides valuable experience for the students.

If you're interested in learning more and may be willing to take part, please read more on  The NIST Link.

GIVING SPRING

2015 Golf Tournament Raises THB 1.4 Million

Thanks to all those who took part in the 5th annual golf tournament or supported it through sponsorship. Over the years this event has provided our community with funds to help support the further development of our sports programmes, as well as many of our facilities. As a not-for-profit, we depend on the generous support of the sponsors and participants to further improve our school in ways that would otherwise be unfeasible.

This year our gold sponsors included Bangkok Bank, Beger, CIMB Thai, Fred Perry, Kasikorn Bank, Krungsri Bank, Lin, MIT-Power Capitals (MCT), Montri Transportation Co., Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas, and Stecon. Silver sponsors were Adges Consulting, AXA Insurance, Bumrungrad International Hospital, Citi, JLT, LaZboy, SCB and Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Bronze sponsors included MFC Asset Management, Soda (Thailand) Ltd., Thanachart Bank and Yoohui Interior Co., Ltd.

For more details about the tournament, visit the  NIST website.

Building for the Future: Buy a Brick Fundraising Campaign

All parents are invited to an evening social and presentation by Head of School James MacDonald about our strategic initiatives. The event will also feature opening remarks from Vice Chairman of the NIST International School Foundation and Chairman of the Executive School Board Sarath Ratanavadi. The presentation will provide insight into the direction our school is heading, the campus development plan and how you can help be a part of building your children's future.

• Date: Wednesday, 11 March
• Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
• Venue: The Hub - 3rd & 4th floors
• Catering: Canape and wine will be served
• RSVP: supraneet@nist.ac.th by Monday, 9 March

Creativity takes courage. - Henri Matisse

Saturday, 9 May

ECAs & SPORTS

Good Luck to Our Falcon Swimmers

While we head off to our Lunar New Year break, many of our young athletes will still be seeing action as they take part in the SEASAC Swimming Tournament in Hong Kong. On 27 and 28 February they will compete at Canadian International School of Hong Kong against ten other schools from around Southeast Asia.

For more information about the tournament, and to see the full schedule of events, visit the official  event site.

Go Falcons!

Congratulations to the Falcon Gymnasts!

Our NIST Gymnastics Club entered 60 gymnasts into the ISB competition last weekend. With their families there to support them, the young Falcons did a fantastic job of displaying their skills and preparing for for the SEASAC competition coming up at NIST later in March. 

By the end of the event, our Level 1 Junior Boys Team earned 1st place, with the Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 Boys Teams each netting 2nd place. 

Among the girls teams, both the Level 2 Junior Girls and Level 3 Senior A Girls Teams came in 1st place, and the Level 1 Junior Girls, Level 4 Open Age Girls and Level 5 Open Age Girls Teams all earned 2nd place trophies. Additionally, the Level 2 Senior and Level 3 Junior Girls Teams came in 3d place.

Well done to all, and thanks to the parents, Khun Mae, Nam and the coaches. Photos of the tournament are available in our  Zenfolio album.

NIPTA (NIST PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION)

Proposed Name Change for NIPTA

In 2012 our school officially changed its name from New International School of Thailand to NIST International School. The Parent-Teacher Association title should reflect this change, so NIPTA is proposing we change our name from New International School of Thailand Parent-Teacher Association (abbreviated to NIPTA) to NIST International School Parent - Teacher Association (abbreviated to NIPTA).

This change name is only to keep in line with the name of the school and does not alter the mission and objectives of NIPTA. Should you have any queries regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact us at  nipta.nist@gmail.com.

Anna Gambles, NIPTA President

Grupo Latino Chocolate Morning - Friday, 6 March

Buenos dias! Buongiorno! Bom dia!

Group Latino is calling all members to meet together for a special chocolate morning on Friday, 6 March. They will be hosting a chocolate con churros morning from 7:30 - 9:00 AM at the front terrace outside the school cafeteria (opposite The Oval). Join us to meet new members and catch up with old ones.

NIPTA & NIST Staff Social Club Quiz Night Postponed

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been postponed. We will keep you posted on a possible new date later in the school year.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 21-28 February: Break - No School
• 26 February - 1 March: SEA Mathematics Competition (SEAMC) in Hong Kong
• 27 February - 1 March: Model United Nations SEASAC Event at UWC East in Singapore
• 4 March: Makha Bucha Day - No School
• Early March (TBC): Dad's Night Out, Bobble Football & Beers (Night-time activity)
• Late March (TBC): PaintBar Bangkok (Create an acrylic paint-on-canvas masterpiece while enjoying delicious cocktails and snacks; night-time activity)
• 28 March: Bangkok Bike Tour (Details forthcoming)
• Early April (TBC): Terrarium Workshop

SPONSORED CONTENT

Join in an evening of fun and entertainment at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit on Friday, 6 March to raise funds for Hands Across the Water, an Australian charity that gives at-risk Thai children and their communities a helping hand. 

In addition to a four-course dinner with wine, you will have the chance to take play games, visit booths, enjoy music and take part in an auction with many wonderful prizes such as accommodation and flights. More importantly, proceeds will be contributed to a good cause. 

Visit this for more information. Tickets are available from THB 3,000 per person, or THB 27,000 for a table of ten. For more information, visit the  event website.

Condo for Rent

230 SQM condo available on Soi 15, 6th fl., in front of NIST. 3 bed/bath, 5 AC, 1 room/bath for maid, 2 living rooms, storage room, dining room, kitchen. Fully furnished ( 2 40" TVs, electric oven, micro oven, 2 refrigerators, washing machine, dish washer, etc.). 2 car parking, swimming pool, fitness room, sauna, etc. 270 degree big balcony in living room & all bedrooms. Near BTS Asok and Nana, Robinson, Terminal 21, Bumrungrad Hospital, Sukhumvit Interchange.

Rental fee: 50,000 baht per month. Contact Robert: 087-690-1168.

Employment Opportunity: Drama Therapist & Music Therapist

Leap Bangkok, a parent group for families with children with special needs or challenges, is seeking a drama therapist and music therapist based in Bangkok. If you have a contact, please have them get in touch with us at  leapbangkok@gmail.com.