I hope that this edition of the Lower Loop Latest finds you well. The last two weeks have flown by. Learners in each of the cohorts are busy connecting all of the new learning and understanding they have immersed themselves in this quarter. We are excitedly planning and preparing for our Songkran celebration, a time-honored tradition deeply rooted in Thai culture symbolizing renewal, purification, and the coming of a new beginning.

Greetings Lower Loop Families,

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C1-2  “Write” of passage: Pen paling!  

The theme for our pen pal letters? Friendship recipes! Our learners have been busy crafting heartfelt messages, sharing their favorite ingredients for a lasting friendship, and exploring the importance of kindness, empathy, and understanding in building meaningful connections.

But the magic doesn't stop there! Our C9-10 learners have enthusiastically embraced the pen pal initiative, eagerly responding to their younger peers with wit, wisdom, and a dash of humor. With each letter exchanged, friendships are blossoming, and bonds are growing stronger!

Please join us in sharing some of the continuous and punny exchanges between our pen pals. Get ready to be inspired, amused, and touched by the genuine connections forged through the simple act of putting pen to paper. Let's continue to celebrate the power of friendship, the joy of communication, and the beauty of sharing stories across borders and boundaries.

C1-2 Embracing Diversity Through Storytelling: A Memorable Workshop with Pepa O'Donovan 

Cohort 1-2 recently had the pleasure of hosting a special visit from Pepa O'Donovan, a teacher and author of children's books based in Bangkok. Her engaging workshop began with captivating readings from her own stories, followed by a heartfelt discussion centered around the theme of diversity, coinciding with World Down Syndrome Day.

Pepa eloquently conveyed the message of embracing differences and celebrating individuality. As the session progressed, she guided the learners through an exploration of storytelling elements, inspiring each group to collaborate and craft their own unique narrative which we then put together to make our own C1-2 story. The experience was not only educational but also deeply enriching, leaving a lasting impression on all who participated.

It's Heating Up - No Hat and No Water Bottle = No play

Many of you have either spoken to your child's Learning Designer verbally or by email about the current rise in temperature and the effect it is having on your children.

The hot weather has suddenly arrived, and many learners have visited the nurse feeling hot or experiencing headaches.

Rest assured that the front office is emailing current heat index information to Learning Designers each day at 9 am, 11 am, and again at 2 pm. Upon receiving these heat index emails, LDs then make decisions about how long to go outside or stay inside, how long learners can play without taking a water break, and whether to have all learners in shaded areas out of direct sunlight.

We are reminding learners every day to bring their water bottles and hats to recess and wellbeing classes. Keeping a hat at school is a surefire way to ensure that your child has protection from the sun and will be allowed to play during recess time. 

Feel free to reach out anytime. We are very much looking forward to reflecting and celebrating with each of you next week on Friday for Songkran. 

By Cushla Jones