HoS Highlights: Parent Learning Opportunities, Events, and More!
Dear VERSO Community,
I would like to start by highlighting some of the parent learning opportunities that have taken place recently and those that are coming soon. This week we had a learning academy for parents provided by the Cohort 3-4 Learning Designers Ronen and Sarah who carefully planned an interactive learning experience for parents based on their interests and questions. In this first session, parents learned about how subjects are integrated in Learning Lab and what a driving question is; they were shown examples of Explore questions their children have been investigating, how questioning and creative thinking skills are taught through math and literacy, and even engaged in lessons modeled after what their children experience throughout the school day!
Next week the Middle loop will open its doors to learning walks. This is an opportunity for parents to observe first hand the learning that is taking place, and the process of learning, not just the product. If you would like to join us for a coffee, talk about our curriculum, and see teaching and learning in action, please sign up by clicking on this LINK. Please share which days work for you, and we will do our best to organize small focused groups. Monday, 27 November, is fully booked, but there is still availability on Tuesday, 28 November, and Thursday, 30 November.00
These sessions will start in the Middle Loop lounge at 8:00am and conclude around 9:00am. We may need to cap numbers and we can offer this again throughout the year. This will begin with the Learning Lab first, followed by a Look 4 Learning for the workshops and Explore projects.
Coffee Mornings
Please be reminded about the coffee morning next week Wednesday 29 November which will focus on the learning taking place in the Upper loop. Wednesday 17 January is the second HoS coffee morning where I will share details about my vision for VERSO. Finally, there will also be a coffee morning in January focusing on G8 to G9 transitions and the G9 learning programs. The date will be shared with you shortly.
WinterFest
Winterfest is around the corner on 8 December 8 and planning is in full swing. The Marketing and Admissions office is packed full of prizes. We're thrilled to announce that we'll have approximately 40 booths, including food trucks and stalls, a variety of product vendors, engaging activities and games, a Lucky Dip, giveaways, and much more! Keep an eye out for further updates next week as we finalize the details. A HUGE thank you to the parents that have been involved with the planning for this event and for all of the wonderful donations.
VERSO HACK 2024
Tickets are now on sale for our flagship event which will be held on 3-4 February 2024 with a pre-Hack Day on 27 February 2024. VERSO HACK is Thailand's leading school hackathon open to students ages 13-18 years from Thailand and the region.
In a hackathon, students face a time-bound and a real-world challenge. Working alongside their teammates, they apply creative problem-solving skills to devise innovative solutions. Hackathons are designed to nurture entrepreneurial thinking, encouraging students to tackle authentic issues. All fundamental skills are taught to them on-site to ensure they have a truly transformative learning experience.
VERSO students and past participants can enjoy a special price until 15 December 2023.
For more details, please visit www.verso.ac.th/hack and follow the VERSO HACK Facebook.
Loy Krathong
Today we celebrated Loy Krathong, the beautiful Thai Festival of Lights dedicated to honoring the Goddess of Water. Thank you to everyone who made my first Loy Krathong festival so memorable. A special thanks to the Thai Department for all of their efforts in organizing the event for our community and to our parents for always supporting our events, making them truly special!
Lastly, I want to remind everyone of the importance of wearing your VERSO ID badge while on campus. This helps security to identify who is on campus, especially in the event of an emergency. If you are asked to put your ID badge on, please do so. Thank you for your cooperation.
Have a good weekend and I hope to see many of you at the Staff vs Parent Chairball and Basketball Friendly next Wednesday, 29 November at 4:00pm at the Arena.
Best regards,
Ryan Persaud
Head of School