HoS Highlights: 24 January 2025

HoS Highlights: 24 January 2025

By Dr. Ryan Persaud / January 24, 2025 / Head of School Highlights

Dear VERSO Community,

Hopefully you had the opportunity to read my HoS message from yesterday regarding our approach to the high AQI levels as of late. I wanted to add a few more updates regarding this topic.

On top of the measures already being implemented, we have also added several more air purifiers into the loops, and have several more on their way for next week. Additionally, all of the air conditioning units in the loops will be having their filters upgraded with HEPA filters to handle the PM2.5 pollution. This process started today in the lower loop and will continue into next week. Next week if we are in the red zone or above for AQI (150 or greater), it is recommended that all staff and learners wear a mask while moving from one building to another.

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Lastly, I wanted to ask for your help. As you drop off or pick up your children at any of the loop buildings, please ensure that the doors are closed on your way in, or on your way out. We have added additional air purifiers to those spaces, but we need your help to keep the doors closed. Thank you!

Mascot Design Update

Following December's committee meeting with UL House Captains, VERSOnians, and staff, we're thrilled to announce two shortlisted designs. Congratulations to Phop Grade 6 and Jean Grade 2 for their top designs! Next week, learners will vote in each loop to select the final design that will inspire our mascot costume.

VERSO HACK 2025

VERSO Pre-HACK will take place on Saturday, 1 February. There is a FREE parent session on that date which is open to all VERSO parents and HACK parents. Please email versohack@verso.ac.th if you would like to attend. There are some engaging sessions for parents being planned (see poster below). We have over 122 participants from over 45 schools all over Thailand participating. This is a new record for attendees for VERSO and we are extremely proud of the continued success and growth of this event. We would also like to thank our partner REACTOR for all of their work on this event. Tickets are still available for the event HERE.

parent session agenda

Lunar New Year Celebrations

Although our large-scale event has been cancelled, that did not reduce the enthusiasm of the celebrations. Each loop celebrated in their own way today and below you will find a few examples of the festivities. I would like to thank the parents who dropped food off for their contributions towards making this a special day for our learners. Additionally, thank you to our Learning Design Team for their flexibility. I know that many of you were looking forward to having the lion dancers perform. We will reschedule this event for a more appropriate time. Lastly, I wanted to share part of my Lunar New Year Speech with you. As this is the year of the wooden snake and we are the Vipers, this promises to be an auspicious year for VERSO. 

As we enter the Year of the Wood Snake, I'm struck by how beautifully its qualities align with our VERSO Viper. In Chinese tradition, the Wood Snake represents the harmonious blend of wisdom and growth – much like a tree reaching skyward while staying deeply rooted in its foundations. This perfectly mirrors our vision of being Future Ready while maintaining strong core values.

The Snake embodies the kind of intelligence we nurture in our Citizen Designers: not just the gathering of knowledge, but the wisdom to apply it thoughtfully in service to our global community. Like our Viper mascot, it represents the perfect balance of strength and adaptability – essential qualities for designers who must know when to stay firm in their convictions and when to show flexibility in facing new challenges.

The Wood element brings additional qualities that resonate with our mission: innovation, growth mindset, and most importantly, the nurturing of relationships and ideas. Just as wood provides shelter and support in nature, we at VERSO create a space where Future Ready learners flourish and our global community bonds strengthen. Our Citizen Designers grow here, supported by deep roots while reaching toward tomorrow's possibilities.

In this Wood Snake year, we celebrate these qualities: thoughtful leadership, graceful resilience, and the wisdom to grow while staying true to our core values. Our VERSO Viper reminds us daily that true strength lies not in force, but in the combination of wisdom, purposeful action, and unwavering support for one another – all essential qualities for Future Ready Citizen Designers.

Have a good weekend,

Dr. Ryan Persaud

Head of School

 

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Important Reminders

  • 25 January: 3x3 Charity Slam Jam hosted by Namin G6 and Mona G9
  • 30 January:  Making Sense of Fractions Talk by Caty Romero  (All parents and LDT) 
  • 1 February: Pre-HACK Day
  • 8-9 February: VERSO HACK
  • 10 February: VERSO HACK Holiday for Learners
  • 18 February: Open House
  • 24-28 February: Spring Break

 

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