JANUARY 2023

Each month we will be sending out a brief update so you are informed of the happenings at RIS MS!

We will feature a content area each month... Enjoy!

INTRODUCTIONS TO THE MS PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEAM

Who We Are & What We Teach

Komson Pempoo: I teach Physical Education (grades 7 & 8) and Health & Wellness (grade 6), as well as coach Varsity Girls Volleyball. This is my 33rd year teaching at Ruamrudee International School. I enjoy spending time on my farm building it up and preparing for retirement there.

Justin Larkins: I teach Physical Education (grades 6–8) and Health & Wellness (grades 6 & 8), as well as coach the U12 girls basketball and the U11 mixed volleyball teams. This is my second year teaching at Ruamrudee International School and my fifth year here in Thailand. I am from a small town in northern Canada called The Pas, Manitoba. I enjoy playing sports and games of all kinds, eating delicious Thai food, and playing with my dog at Nong Bon Park.

Class Updates

Grade 6: We have already completed the following units—Yoga, Basketball, Low Organized Games, and Softball.

Students have also learned about managing emotions, perseverance, as well as skill development & cooperation throughout these units. We have completed three fitness tests consisting of pushups, curl-ups, standing long jump, sit and reach flexibility, as well as the cardiovascular endurance beep test. Students have made steady progress on these fitness tests and are looking forward to completing their fourth quarter fitness test as well.

We are now finishing the Frisbee unit and beginning our Aquatics unit at the end of January.

Grade 7: We have already completed the following units—Invasion Games, Fitness, Field Sports, and Stick Sports.

Students have also learned about problem solving as well as teamwork & cooperation throughout these units. We have completed three fitness tests consisting of pushups, curl-ups, standing long jump, sit and reach flexibility, as well as the cardiovascular endurance beep test. Students have made steady progress on these fitness tests and are looking forward to completing their fourth quarter fitness test as well.

Grade 7 are currently finishing the Mini-Volleyball unit with Mr. Komson and Outdoor Education(Running) unit with Mr. Justin. Grade 7 students will begin Singles Badminton with Mr. Komson and Aquatics with Mr. Justin at the end of January.

Grade 8: We have already completed the following units—Invasion Games, Fitness, and Field Sports.

Students have also learned about strategies for success as well as teamwork & cooperation throughout these units. We have completed three fitness tests consisting of pushups, curl-ups, standing long jump, sit and reach flexibility, as well as the cardiovascular endurance beep test. Students have made steady progress on these fitness tests and are looking forward to completing their fourth quarter fitness test as well.

Grade 8 are currently finishing the Volleyball unit with Mr. Komson and Soccer unit with Mr. Justin. Grade 8 students will begin Doubles Badminton with Mr. Komson and Aquatics with Mr. Justin at the end of January.

Lunch Competition Program

As a part of our continuous improvement, the MS PE department set a goal to increase student engagement and school spirit by hosting various competitions at lunch. We have already completed a table tennis and beach volleyball tournament. We will have a football (soccer) tournament starting this month, as well as a badminton competition and small skills competitions planned for later in the year.

MS Games Day

We hosted MS Games Day on Friday, January 13th. Students participated in events that prioritized teamwork, fitness, coordination, and school spirit. Below are photos from Games Day.

See photos on our Facebook page at the link below:

Health & Wellness Tip

If you would like to support your students progress in Physical Education and all subject areas please support your child in getting enough sleep each night.

Thank you for reading the newsletter this month.