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THE PAULIAN POST Weekly Newsletter Friday 4th September 2026

UPCOMING DATES

THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

7th - 10th September 10th September 11th September

Our students have enjoyed another busy week at St Paul’s Bangkok, from our first school assembly and the start of swimming lessons to exciting learning across art, science and sport. We are also looking ahead to the launch of our CCA programme next week and welcoming parents back onto campus for upcoming events.

14th September 24th September 25th September

House Shout Out SPGSI BKK vs Aster: U11 Boys’ & Girls’ Basketball Parent Workshop: Digital Learning – A Shared Approach (Key Stage 2)

Bring Your Parent to Lunch Day: Key Stages 1 & 2 SPGSI BKK vs Dulwich Senior School Open Morning School Opening & UK Governance Visit

CONTENT

Welcome from the Academic Heads

This Week at St Paul’s in Photos

Learning Our Way

Sport & Fixtures Updates

Thought for the Week

Our Stories

Parent Voice

Useful Information

WELCOME FROM THE ACADEMIC HEADS WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL As we come to the end of our second week of school, I have really enjoyed seeing children grow in confidence and begin to form new friendships across the school. Last week was very much about settling in, getting to know one another and making sure every child felt secure in their new environment. This week, we have started to look more closely at each child as a learner. Teachers have been spending time understanding what children already know, where they feel confident and where they may need some additional support. This is an important part of making sure that the learning we plan is pitched appropriately and that each child is given the right level of stretch and challenge. We also came together for our first school assembly this week, which was a lovely milestone for us as a new community.

Next week, our CCA programme begins, and I know many of the children are already looking forward to getting started. We can't wait to see the creativity and talents of our students shine.

JAY THOMPSON Head of Junior School

EARLY YEARS UPDATE It has been another lovely week in Early Years as the children continue to grow in confidence and become increasingly familiar with the rhythms and routines of their school day. Across the ECC, children are beginning to move more independently between our different learning spaces, confidently exploring both their classrooms and the wider environment. As relationships develop, we are also starting to see individual and shared interests emerge through children’s play, conversations and questions. Our teachers are observing these closely and using them to shape the learning environment, introduce new experiences and extend children’s thinking. It has been wonderful to see the children beginning to take real ownership of their spaces and learning, approaching each day with growing curiosity, independence and confidence.

EMILY LUKE Head of Early Years

LEARNING AND TEACHING UPDATE It has been a wonderful start to the academic year, and I have really enjoyed visiting classrooms and seeing learning in action. I have been particularly impressed by the way our students are embracing inquiry-based learning: asking thoughtful questions, giving reasons for their answers and demonstrating curiosity in all that they do. It has been lovely to see children so engaged in their learning and developing the confidence to think carefully, share their ideas and explore new concepts. We are delighted to further enhance our PE provision with the introduction of swimming lessons in our brand-new swimming pool. There is a real sense of excitement among the children as they begin to enjoy the first opportunity to swim in this wonderful new facility. Our Phonics program is now well underway with our younger students. The children are becoming familiar with the Monster Phonics characters and the sounds they represent. It has been fantastic to see their enthusiasm as they begin to use these sounds to support their reading and writing. Parents who would like to find out more about Monster Phonics can visit Monster Phonics Parent Support to watch an introductory video. We will soon be sharing further details about our Home Learning provision. Our approach will focus on purposeful activities that encourage children to think, apply their learning and, where appropriate, take on additional challenges. Children in Years 2–6 will also have access to Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS), which will provide a fun and engaging way to further develop fluency and confidence with times tables facts. Parents can find out more about TTRS by visiting Times Tables Rock Stars for Parents. We look forward to sharing more with you in the coming weeks and continuing to work in partnership with our families to support every child’s learning, both at school and at home. VICKY MEREFIELD Deputy Head Learning & Teaching

PASTORAL UPDATE It has been another positive week at our school, with a continued focus on ensuring that our students feel safe and happy in all aspects of school life. This week, we held two safeguarding sessions for our external CCA providers, helping to make sure that everyone who works with our students understands the same high expectations and shared responsibility we have for keeping children safe.

Our students also enjoyed their first assembly, where we revisited The SPGSI Way and focused in particular on our first ‘S’: Share Kindness. Kindness is our value of the month, and together we explored the many small ways we can show kindness so that everyone feels welcomed, included and happy at school. Our Key Stage 2 students also completed their first Komodo Wellbeing surveys this week. These short, regular check-ins give students an opportunity to share how they are feeling and help us to better understand and support their wellbeing as the year progresses. It has been wonderful to see our students continuing to settle so positively into life at St Paul’s. BEN GIRLING Deputy Head Pastoral

THIS WEEK AT ST PAUL’S IN PHOTOS

LEARNING OUR WAY BEYOND WORDS: HOW ART BUILDS COMMUNICATION WITH MR B Art is beginning to emerge in the studios of this beautiful, new learning space, and our school community is starting to settle-in here. Nowhere on Earth is as quiet as a school without students, so the sounds of children working, playing, laughing and building community has been wonderful to witness throughout the course of this week. One of the most beneficial soft skills that we develop in Art, is the building of effective communication skills, not just visual communication, but in all of its forms. Drawing itself is a foundation for many artists and it can be a sophisticated vehicle for communicating complex ideas that might well exceed the limitations of dialogue or language. As inquiry learners, we build and connect knowledge through a collaborative process which relies upon communication skills. I see art as a communication media that enables the creator to express their inner thoughts and feelings. The audience will interpret the work differently depending on many factors, but occasionally the viewer might gain a deeper understanding of themselves through the experience of looking at art. Much laughter was heard when the students played a game that I call ‘The Drawing Manchine’, where children work in groups of four to guide the pen on a path towards representing a person or object. Most groups were tasked with drawing me or their Learning Assistant. The results were good, bad and sometimes ugly, as expected, considering the level of challenge! The game was followed by reflective conversations where several students noted that through better communication, they were able to be more cohesive and effective at achieving their objectives. I’m excited to see communication continue to flourish throughout the school year!

ADAM BERNARD (MR. B.) Junior School Art & Design Teacher

RECEPTION EXPLORE COLOUR THROUGH ART Our Reception children explored paint and colour, experimenting with different brush movements, mixing colours and following their own ideas as their artwork developed. Open-ended art experiences encourage children to explore, make choices and enjoy the process of creating.

YEAR 4 INVESTIGATE INSECTS In Science, Year 4 are learning about vertebrates and invertebrates. This week, we focused on the features of insects. The children accurately sculpted insects and included their key characteristics; six legs, three body parts and two antennae.

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY This week, our Little Paulians explored music, movement, PE and art through playful, hands-on experiences. In Music & Mindfulness, familiar songs, movement, breathing and yoga helped children find their rhythm and feel comfortable together. PE encouraged confidence as children balanced, climbed, jumped and explored our soft play area, while in Art, children discovered the many ways they could make a line using movement, mark-making and even toy car tyres. Each activity gave children the freedom to explore alongside their grown-ups, build confidence and enjoy learning through play.

BUILDING OUR CULTURE THROUGH SPORT As our students settle into the first weeks of school, sport and PE have already become an important part of building our community at our school. Across the school, students have been making the most of our new facilities while getting to know their teachers, classmates and new environment. Through team games, physical challenges and shared activities, they are beginning to build the relationships, confidence and sense of belonging that sit at the heart of school life. Sport offers children much more than physical development. It teaches them how to communicate, cooperate, persevere and support one another. In these early weeks especially, PE provides a natural space for students to form friendships, learn how to work as part of a team and discover the different strengths that each person brings. As routines become established and our sporting programme grows, we look forward to developing a culture in which every student feels encouraged to participate, challenge themselves and enjoy being active. These first lessons are already laying the foundations for that culture, one built around teamwork, character, confidence and community.

RICHARD HUDSON (MR RICH) Head of Junior School PE

SPORT & FIXTURES UPDATE BASKETBALL FRIENDLY TRAINING GAMES NEXT WEEK Our teams will play friendly training games against Aster International School in the St Paul's Bangkok Senior Sports Hall on the following dates:

Thursday 10 September U11 Boys and Girls

Friday 18 September U9 Boys and Girls

These games will focus on learning and development rather than the result. They will still be competitive, but coaches may pause play to discuss positioning and tactics, rotate players, explain refereeing decisions and introduce the relevant GBAC rules. We will not keep an official score, helping everyone focus on creating a positive experience in which the students can learn, build confidence and enjoy representing the school. If you would like your child to take part, please email Mr Richard Hudson. I will add them to the squad register and send further information shortly. The U11 game may clash with your child’s Thursday CCA. U11 games will normally take place on Mondays, but on this occasion, students may miss their Thursday CCA to represent the school. We will avoid such clashes wherever possible in future.

More information about SPGSI BKK vs Dulwich coming soon.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK TEN MINUTES AT THE GATE What a wonderful first two weeks it has been at SPGSI Bangkok! Watching our founding students walk through the gates each morning with bright smiles, eager to learn and reconnect with their peers, has brought immense energy to our campus. Equally rewarding has been the chance to connect with so many of you, our founding parents, at the school entrance and in our school café. Just a few days ago, I was standing by the entrance when a parent greeted their son after drop-off. What started as warm morning small talk quickly drifted into a deeply meaningful conversation about how we shape our children's self-belief. We found ourselves discussing the power of parental praise, and the quiet magic of something even deeper: encouragement. As parents and educators, our natural instinct is to celebrate every win. When your child completes a task and you offer praise: "That's excellent! I'm so proud of you!", it feels fantastic. Praise signals approval and builds joy. It is a wonderful and necessary part of growing up. But what if we went one step further? What if, alongside our praise, we used intentional encouragement to help them build internal resilience and self-worth from the inside out? Praise naturally focuses on the final outcome, which can sometimes teach children to look outward for validation. Encouragement, on the other hand, shines a spotlight on effort, strategy, and personal growth. It shifts the focus from the destination to the beauty of the learning journey. Imagine your child proudly holding up a drawing they just finished. Praise says: "That's beautiful! You're such a great artist." Encouragement takes the conversation a step further: "I can see how much focus you put into this! How do you feel about how it turned out? Tell me about why you chose these colours." By inviting your child to reflect on their own work, you help them internalise their strengths, develop critical thinking, and build confidence that doesn't rely on external approval. You show them that they are valued for who they are and how they try, not just the final product. That short 10-minute chat at the school gate perfectly captures our St Paul’s ethos: learning happens everywhere and it works both ways. Our greatest strength comes from working hand-in-hand with our founding parents. With your partnership at home, we can nurture self-directed, thoughtful, and ambitious young learners. I look forward to many more of these inspiring school-gate or cafe conversations throughout the year. Welcome to a wonderful learning journey together! ALEX PERDIKIS Founding Deputy Head Learning & Teaching, Senior School

PARENT VOICE YOU SAID, WE LISTENED We want St Paul’s to be a school where parents feel comfortable sharing their views and where we work collaboratively as one community. Since opening, we have listened carefully to feedback shared with us in person, through our parent feedback form and directly with our teams. Please keep it coming. Whether something is working particularly well or there is something we can improve, we want to hear from you. We have also been delighted to receive so much positive feedback during our first weeks. Parents have told us how happy their children are coming to school, how welcomed they have felt as founding families, and how much they appreciate the accessibility of our teachers and leadership team. We have also heard some wonderful comments about the food, the atmosphere around the school and the sense of community that is already beginning to develop. Here are just a few examples of what you have shared with us and how we are responding:

Mosquitoes in the ECC We heard concerns about mosquitoes in and around the ECC. We have purchased our own fumigation machine, which will be used daily as part of our ongoing efforts to tackle the issue. Academic feedback and questions We really welcome feedback and questions about your child’s learning. Please keep these conversations coming. Where parents would like to discuss an academic matter in more detail, we can arrange conversations with the relevant teachers and, where appropriate, members of our academic leadership team. Drop-off and pick-up We received helpful feedback about our drop-off and pick-up arrangements, particularly around making the process clearer and more convenient for families. In response, we have moved all morning drop-off to the upper level, creating one consistent drop-off point for families. We will continue to listen to your feedback and review the arrangements as needed to make the start and end of the school day as smooth as possible.

Keeping parents informed We have also heard how important regular, clear communication is, particularly as a new school. We are continuing to develop the ways we share school news, important information, photographs and updates with families.

Food and dining We have received some lovely feedback about the food at St Paul’s, with many families commenting positively on the quality and variety available to students. We want parents to experience this too, and we are looking forward to welcoming families to an upcoming Parent Lunch so you can enjoy the food and spend time together as part of our school community.

Brook Green Café and our parent community Parents have told us that the café has already become a lovely place to meet, wait and connect with other families. We want to continue developing it together with you and create a comfortable, welcoming space that feels like a genuine hub for our parent community. Parent Voice is not simply about identifying what needs to change. It is also about understanding what families value, recognising what is working well and continuing to build on it. Some changes can be made immediately, while others require a little more time, but every piece of feedback is shared with the appropriate team and followed up. We are still at the beginning of our journey as a school, and our parent community plays an important part in helping us continue to improve. Please keep talking to us, sharing your experiences and letting us know b what you value and what we can do better.

ISABELLE PETERS Director of Marketing & Admissions

OUR STORIES CELEBRATING PICHA’S ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to Picha in Year 5 on her achievements over the past few weeks and for representing SPGS International School Bangkok so brilliantly. Picha continues to shine beyond the classroom, regularly taking part in a wide range of competitions outside school. From piano, singing and dance to English and mathematics, she embraces every opportunity to challenge herself, develop new skills and pursue her passions.

WEEKLY FOOD MENU MAIN DINNING HALL 2nd Week

Tuesday

Monday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Morning Break Healthy Snack

Chicken & Tomato Salsa Sandwich

Yoghurt with Blueberries & Brioche Bun

Focaccia with sundried Tomatoes & Herbs

Egg Salad Sandwich

Whole wheat Banana Bread

Fruits

Selection of Fruits

Beverage

Organic Milk & Infused Water

Lunch Beverages

Herb & Fruit Infused Water

Salad Bar

Assorted Greens, Vegetables & Composed Salads

Sandwich Station

Breads & Rolls,Chicken & Guacamole

Breads & Rolls, Tuna & Egg Spread

Breads & Rolls, Roasted mediterranean Vegetables

Breads & Rolls, Shrimp Cocktail

Breads & Rolls, Chorizo & Tomato Salsa

Soup

Clam Chowder

Cheesy Broccoli

Gaeng Jued

Pea Soup

Crème of Asparagus

Asian Noodles

Khao Soi Chicken

Rice Noodles with shredded Chicken

Thai Boat Noodles

Egg Noodles & roasted Duck

Lard Na Pork

Asian Live Cooking

Chicken Yakitori

Stir fried Eggplants with Ginger & Miso

Mongolian Beef

Kung Pao Chicken

Stir fried mixed Vegetables in Soy Sauce & Tofu

Asian

Vegetable & Tofu Lo Mein

Japanese Hamburg Steak

Lentil Curry

Oyakodon

Ton Katsu & Japanese Curry

Organic Jasmin & Rice Berry

Organic Jasmine & brown Rice

Organic Jasmine & Rice Berry

Organic Jasmine & brown Rice

Organic Jasmine & Rice Berry

Pork Cordon Bleu

Chicken & Mushroom Pie

Chicken Schnitzel

Grilled Sole & CitrusFennel Salad

Seared Salmon

Lukewarm PotatoCucumber Salad

Oven baked Fries

Mashed Potatoes

Fried Potatoes & Spring Onions

Dill Potatoes

Glazed Carrots

Corn on Cob

Sauteed Green Beans

Sauteed Spinach

Ratatouille

Western Vegetarian

Eggplant Parmigiana

Mushroom Stroganoff

Baked Cauliflower & Cheese

Penne Puttanesca

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Chef's Special

Seafood Paella

Chicken Enchiladas & Guacamole

Tuna Tataki

Char Siu Pork

Selection of Pizza Romana

Fruits & Dessert

Selection of Fruits

Selection of Fruits, Mango & Sticky Rice

Selection of Fruits

Selection of Fruits, Frozen Mango Yoghurt

Western

Packed Afternoon Snack Healthy Snack

Marble Cake

Pumpkin Seed Roll

Spelt & Raspberry Muffin

Vanilla & Oat Cookie

Vanilla Cookie

Fruits

Orange

Banana

Tangerine

Apple

Roseapple

Beverage

Carrot Juice

Tangerine Juice

Passion Fruit Juice

Apple Juice

Mango Juice

Allergen Labels With allergy-friendly options, diverse international menus, and well-balanced choices, students are free to explore, enjoy, and develop a healthy relationship with food every day.

Beef

Pork

Fish

Crustaceans

Chicken

Molluscs

Mustard

Soy

Celery

Gluten

Sesame

Dairy

Eggs

ECC MENU 2nd Week

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Morning Break Healthy Snack

Chicken & Tomato Salsa Sandwich

Yoghurt with Blueberries & Brioche Bun

Focaccia with sundried Tomatoes & Herbs

Egg Salad Sandwich

Whole wheat Banana Bread

Fruits

Selection of Fruits

Beverage

Organic Milk & Infused Water

Lunch Salad

Assorted Greens, Vegetables &

Assorted Greens, Vegetables & Composed Salads

Soup

Clam Chowder

Cheesy Broccoli

Gaeng Jued

Pea Soup

Crème of Asparagus

Noodles

Khao Soi Chicken

Rice Noodles with shredded Chicken

Thai Boat Noodles

Egg Noodles & roasted Duck

Lard Na Pork

Asian

Oyakodon

Japanese Hamburg Steak

Mongolian Beef

Pork Sweet & Sour

Ton Katsu & Japanese Curry

Organic Jasmin

Organic Jasmine Rice

Penne Bolognese

Chicken Fricassee

Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken Gyros

Seared Salmon

Garden Vegetables

Garden Peas & Carrots

Sauteed Green Beans

Steamed Broccoli & Carrots

Ratatouille

Vegetarian

Vegetable & Tofu Lo Mein

Mushroom Stroganoff

Baked Cauliflower & Cheese

Penne Napoli

Spinach Lasagna

Fruits & Dessert

Selection of Fruits

Selection of Fruits, Mango & Sticky Rice

Selection of Fruits

Selection of Fruits, Frozen Mango Yoghurt

Western

Packed Afternoon Snack Healthy Snack

Marble Cake

Pumpkin Seed Roll

Spelt & Raspberry Muffin

Vanilla & Oat Cookie

Vanilla Cookie

Fruits

Orange

Banana

Tangerine

Apple

Roseapple

Beverage

Carrot Juice

Tangerine Juice

Passion Fruit Juice

Apple Juice

Mango Juice

Allergen Labels With allergy-friendly options, diverse international menus, and well-balanced choices, students are free to explore, enjoy, and develop a healthy relationship with food every day.

Beef

Pork

Fish

Crustaceans

Chicken

Molluscs

Mustard

Soy

Celery

Gluten

Sesame

Dairy

Eggs

SCHOOL CALENDAR Academic Year 2026-2027 August 2026 Mo

September 2026 Fr

October 2026

November 2026 Mo

December 2026 Sa

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027 Mo

June 2027 Th

July 2027

National Holidays 12 Aug H.M. Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s Birthday / Mother’s Day 19 Oct Substitute Holiday (13 Oct) H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great Memorial Day 23 Oct H.M. King Chulalongkorn the Great Memorial Day 5 Dec H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Birthday / National Day / Father’s Day 21 Dec Substitute Holiday (5 Dec) H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Birthday / National Day / Father’s Day 22 Dec Substitute Holiday (10 Dec) Constitution Day 31 Dec New Year’s Eve 1 Jan New Year’s Day 21 Feb Makha Bucha Day 22 Feb Substitute Holiday (21 Feb) Makha Bucha Day

6 Apr Chakri Memorial Day 13-15 Apr Songkran Day 1 May Labour Day 3 May Substitute Holiday (1 May) Labour Day 4 May Coronation Day 3 Jun H.M. Queen Suthida’s Birthday 4 Jun Substitute Holiday (20 May) Visakha Bucha Day 18 Jul Asahna Bucha Day 19 Jul Substitute Holiday (18 Jul) Asahna Bucha Day 28 Jul H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday

Autumn Term 25th August 2026 – 18th December 2026

Spring Term 11th January 2027 – 2nd April 2027

Summer Term 19th April 2027 – 25th June 2027

Term Start

Term End

Term Break

National Holiday

SCHOOL OFFICE CONTACTS The School Office is the first point of contact for general enquiries and day-to-day school administration. If parents are unsure who to contact, the office team will direct the enquiry to the appropriate person

Location

Details

Contact

Welcome Centre Reception

HR, Finance and Headmaster’s Office

enquiries@spgsibangkok.ac.th 02-407-1111

Junior School Reception

Early Years to 6 General Enquiries

js.enquiries@spgsibangkok.ac.th

Junior School Clinic

Early Years to 6 Medical Enquiries

js.clinic@spgsibangkok.ac.th

CURRICULUM GUIDE KEY STAGE 1 AND 2

JUNIOR SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK

Curriculum Guides KS1 and KS2

Click here

Your voice matters.

Parent Handbook

CURRICULUM GUIDE EARLY YEARS

Curriculum Guides Early Years

Click here

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