Patana News Volume 20 Issue 3

Our mission is to ensure that students of different nationalities grow to their full potential as independent learners in a caring British international community.

NEWS Patana

Friday 1st September 2017

Volume 20 Issue 3

www.patana.ac.th

We are Kind and Compassionate Mr Cooper considers one of our key values Page 2

2017/18

Also in this issue

Sport for Enjoyment? / Hands on in the Outdoor Classroom / (I)GCSE Results 01/09/2017

Bangkok Patana School News

Bangkok Patana is a not-for-profit IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC

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We are Kind and Compassionate

Jason Cooper, Primary Principal

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he Bangkok Patana Guiding Statements detail our school’s Mission, Vision and Values. Within our values we focus on developing the Wellbeing, Learning, and Global Citizenship of all members of the school community. During the start of year Whole School Assembly, Mr Mills shared with us the importance of being kind and compassionate. We picked up on this value in our first Primary Assembly, and have incorporated it into our current PSHE celebration:

‘People who try to make our school community a better place’ I asked some of our students who they think tries to make our school a better place, and got the following responses: “Mr Mills, the Workers, our Teachers, Students.”

One deep thinking Year 3 student said, “You!” I think these are very astute responses and capture the responsibility that all of us have to work towards making our school community a better place. To really highlight the collective and individual responsibility we all have, I shared the following story:

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.

It is very easy for us to think that making our school community a better place is someone else’s job, but as the story so clearly shows, it is everybody’s responsibility.

Linking our assembly back to our school value of being kind and compassionate, and weaving in our individual responsibility, I asked some students the following question:

“What can YOU do at school to be kind?”

Some of the responses were: • • • • •

•

Help people We could say good morning to each other Be polite Sharing and caring If new people come we could say, “Come on, come play with us, we have new things to play.”

Smile!

It is clear that our students know how to be kind and compassionate. The challenge now is for us adults to learn from the students as we work together in ensuring that our school community is kind and compassionate.

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Outstanding (I)GCSE Results Suzanne Lindley, Secondary Assistant Principal Curriculum and Assessment

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e are exceedingly proud of our (I)GCSE students whose two years of hard work has been rewarded with outstanding results. With an overall pass rate of 100%, the cohort achieved 95% of grades at or above the minimum benchmark of a Grade C (recognised as a ‘good’ pass).

In addition, an incredible 81% of all grades were awarded at A*-B, which is a phenomenal achievement. 117 students (76%) achieved an average exam grade of B or above. Resilience and determination certainly played their part, with students from across the ability range achieving their potential.

While it’s a challenge to highlight the individual successes of all of our students, 10 students achieved nine or more grades at A*: zahra poonevala yuqing wu samuel (dillon) rajakarier natalie sprenger sashini ranawana

jitripat (juno) tantipipatpong sophie stevens sakooltipaya (koko) lotharukpong anna-maria woodrow anya (bua) paopiamsap

We look forward to hosting the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards in the Rosamund Stuetzel Theatre on the 22nd November to further celebrate our students’ successes.

Please note: the Award Winners For Top in Thailand, High Achievers and Top in the World, are yet to be announced.

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Bangkok Patana School News

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Hands on in the Outdoor Classroom Alexander (Coke) Smith, Environmental Systems and Societies Coordinator, Biology Teacher

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angkok Patana’s Year 9 Biology students are starting their year off in a very exciting way. They have already begun exploring and using our fantastic Outdoor Classroom to investigate the wonders of biodiversity that a fully functioning ecosystem can provide.

Many of us may not be aware that Bangkok Patana has an outstanding learning feature that is the envy of many other schools. Our Outdoor Classroom provides our students of all year levels the opportunity to participate in true experiential learning in a natural setting.

Year 9 students from Mr Smith’s and Mr Tennant’s classes explored the site searching for and finding examples of living creatures they could document and produce biological illustrations. Students were taught basic collecting techniques that allowed for safe and ethical handling of the species they encountered.

Our Outdoor Classroom is just one of our many outdoor features here at Bangkok Patana School, soon there will be a Rooftop Learning Space on top of our new Science Center as well. We are now fortunate to have a new Outdoor Learning Spaces Technician, Mr Tanawat “Turbo” Ubonrat. We are very happy to have Khun Turbo join our team and wish him a very warm welcome. Turbo is very experienced in outdoor education and is very happy to help teachers from all Year 4

Bangkok Patana School News

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groups implement lessons in the Outdoor Classroom. So please come over and check out our amazing Outdoor Classroom and explore this wonderful educational tool we offer our students. Teachers, if you would like a personal tour, please contact cosm@patana.ac.th or Khun Turbo taub@patana.ac.th and we will gladly share how this learning space can be used.

01/09/2017

Bangkok Patana School News

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Sport for Enjoyment?

Richard Molloy, Head Swim Coach

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s a coach, it is important to spend time reflecting and learning from the past, take the positives and work towards improving areas of weakness. Whilst reflecting, it always saddens me to realise how few of our wonderful athletes are competing all the way through school and enjoying the amazing opportunities available to senior athletes.

Nationally, and around the world, there are more young people with overuse injuries or suffering from burnout than ever before. Where sport used to be perceived as a release from the stresses of life, more and more young athletes struggle with anxiety and depression due to the pressures they feel from their chosen sport or sports.

stead, success is measured by enjoyment, well-being and peace of mind.

What are we trying to achieve through our school sports?

We are trying to develop well rounded, social, emotional human beings that are able to express themselves through sport. We are trying to encourage our students to continue participating throughout the most important sporting development phase in their lives.

Yes, we want to win championships, but process always has to come before outcome. One of the first issues we face in youth sports today is that outcomes, wins, and championships confuse what our goals should be for our students.

Did you know that around 70% of kids leave John Wooden's statement on success focuses on organised sports by the age of 13? learning to do your best and experience the peace of There are so many reasons for this, and over the years, mind or sense of achievement, self fulfilment, that gives it proves increasingly difficult to ‘just play sport’. Rea- a person. It has nothing to do with winning a championsons include; the subjective media circus surrounding ship or some arbitrary standard of excellence. young ‘superstars’; specialist coaches claiming that they Last year, I was proud of all the sporting successes offer more than anyone else can; performance enhanc- that each and every one of my students achieved, but ing substances and parental interest and influences. more so of the development they had gone through; Perhaps people today forget the definition of the I know how difficult it is to take part when such high term, ‘success’. Could this help to explain why we can standards are expected in the classroom. As we begin no longer ‘just play?’ I love quotes and this one is very the new school year, I hope to see our students moving fitting; through Bangkok Patana continuing to benefit from the mental, physical and social benefits sport has to offer.

"Success is the peace of mind, which is the

direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

- John Wooden

Unquantifiable words, feelings, not a direct result of winning or scoring goals, or by running the fastest. In6

Bangkok Patana School News

A member of the tigersharks? join their new facebook group for all the Team’s latest news and information

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Bangkok Patana School News

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he t m o r f st The late

PTG

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ur Newcomers Coffee Morning was a great start to a Monday morning. The tone was informal and fun and the response was overwhelming. We were very pleased to see so many "new faces" and also many dads.

It is important to the PTG that everyone feels welcome, included and supported in our Patana community. Our coffee morning provided an opportunity for our new families to mingle, chat and listen to stories shared by some "old hands". Vicharee, Caroline and Elyssa all shared endearing stories about their experiences, Shirley Tan introduced us to tennis opportunities and we also had representatives from Bambi and SILC introducing their clubs to our families.

It can be very daunting moving from another school or country and we hope that the Newcomers Coffee Morning will continue to be one of the highlights for the newest members of our school community

Ne w

Click here to join the PTG Facebook page

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the PTG rf om

T ‘n’ T drop ins - Tea and Talk!

Every Tuesday and Thursday 9am – 11am in the PTG Room Drop in for a coffee, a snack and a chat.

Bangkok Patana School News

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Bangkok Patana School News

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#66 Have you set-up your ICE contacts?

For a long time now I’ve had a contact in my phone named ICE (In Case of Emergency). It’s only until I watched this video that I realised that it’s not that easy for anybody to access the information since they would either need to know my passcode and/or use my fingerprint. Take a minute to watch this video and act on the recommendations. You never know, it could save your life or that of a loved one in an emergency.

Have a great weekend, Brian Taylor Assistant Principal, Campus Curriculum Technology Integration

Upcoming University Visits Careers and University Faculty University / College

Ritsumeikan University University of Chicago Rice University University College London Columbia, Duke, Georgetown, Northwestern, Princeton and Vanderbilt Information Session State University of New York at Albany Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School

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Country Representative Location

Japan USA USA UK

Date

Time

09:15 12:15 12:15 12:15

Colleen Belak Dan Warner Emma Hallett

Senior Studies, 2nd floor Senior Studies, 2nd floor Senior Studies, 2nd floor Senior Studies, 2nd floor

06.09.17 06.09.17 06.09.17 06.09.17

USA

-

Shrewsbury International School

06.09.17 18:30

USA

Cynthia Look

Senior Studies, 2nd floor 07.09.17 12:15

-

Senior Studies, 2nd floor 08.09.17 12:15

Australia

Bangkok Patana School News

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Get to know Clara...

A huge well done to everyone who tried out for a team recently

Name: Clara Boucher Year group: 10 Teams you play in: Varsity tennis, volleyball and Under 15 tennis Favourite sport: Tennis Favourite alternative sport/fitness activity: Canoeing Sporting idol: Daniel Ahl Favourite after workout snack: Banana strawberry smoothie Your personal motto: #Compete Sporting aspiration: Win a SEASAC volleyball My workout playlist always includes: My heart will go on - Celine Dion If I’m not playing sport you’ll find me: Eating

Congratulations

TO everyone who was selected

Sign up now, compete and earn house points

Keep up with the action...

01/09/2017

@bps_athletics _council

@BPSSPORTS

@BPSSPORTS

Tiger Sports Teams

Bangkok Patana School News

Check out these runners that participate in morning training to improve their fitness.

Training days are Tuesday and Thursday morning, if you are interested contact: kamc@patana.ac.th

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CATs Corner Tania Leyland, Community Services Coordinator

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he annual Community Action and Service Fair is an opportunity for student action teams to share their vision, connect with students and develop partnerships with external organisations. The Conference Centre here at Bangkok Patana was transformed into a hive of excitement, enthusiasm and empowerment. Conversations could be heard on the plight of trafficked children, the power of debate and even how paddleboarding can address a need in the community. There was hand printing, sticker sticking, ball tossing and even a kissing booth, although I would like to add that no kissing took place (it formed part of the World Food Project display and was metaphorical). I watched our students engaging with visiting organisations and discussing how they could work in partnership on upcoming campaigns. I heard a buzz in the corridors as students returned to their classroom after visiting the fair. I saw teachers engaging with student exhibitors discussing how they can integrate their work into the classroom as we embed a culture of global citizenship.

Here are some comments from students: “It was entertaining and the activities were fun but I didn’t know how to play some of the games” Nat, Year 7 “I found a club that I am really interested in” Ayesha, Year 7 “Today I learnt about children's’ rights through the Freedom Story” Year 9 student “I learnt about Autism” Year 9 student “I learnt that it does not take much to have a big difference in the world and I can do my bit” Year 9 student

Click here for the Canteen Menu 12

Bangkok Patana School News

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Habitat Humanity HABITAT for FOR HUMANITY “Building houses building hope�

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abitat for Humanity is a renowned global charity dedicated primarily to providing reliable long-term

Habitat for Humanity is a renowned global charity dedicated primarily to providing reliable long-term shelter shelter for the less fortunate. At Bangkok Patana School, the Habitat for Humanity club has existed for for the less fortunate. At Bangkok Patana School, the Habitat for Humanity club has existed for over 15 years over 15 years to and continues to strive to achieve its mission and develop to itssociety. contributions society.

Habitat and continues strive to achieve its mission and develop its contributions Habitattofor Humanity, is for Humanity, is thrilled to invitetowards you toour contribute our our cause byinsponsoring our here buildwe in October thrilled to invite you to contribute cause bytowards sponsoring build October 2017, aim to 2017,250,000 here weTHB. aimAdditionally, to reach 250,000 THB. reach there is no limit to donations and all amounts are at your own personal discretion, if you are interested in joining us andare ouratcause thenpersonal please contact asli18@patana.ac.th. are There is no limit to donations and all amounts your own discretion, if you are interested We in joining tremendously grateful for all contributions and extend a warm thank you on behalf of the Habitat for Humanity us and our cause then please contact asli18@patana.ac.th. We are tremendously grateful for all contributions and volunteers and the new homeowners for your time.

extend a warm thank you on behalf of the Habitat for Humanity volunteers and the new homeowners for your time.

01/09/2017

Bangkok Patana School News

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It’s Toastie Time!

We’ve been back at school a while now, what do you think about the new items in the Snack Bars? today we’re talking about toasties!

1.Apple & cheese toastie – Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it - green apple

mixed with cheese, a combination of sweet and sour taste that will melt in your mouth!

2.Banana & cheese toastie – Bannana and cheese might sound like a strange combination but once you’ve tried this, you’ll be coming back for more!

3.Spinach & cheese toastie - Delicious spinach with parmesan and cheddar cheese, toastie perfection!

Remember that all our ham and bread are now better quality so why not enjoy a toastie for breakfast, don’t forget to grab some milk too for a great start to the day!

There’s been a few new items in the Snack Bars this week, have you spotted them?

They’re Onigiri, Japanese snack items. There are five types of Onigiri: Salmon, Salmon teriyaki, Ebiko mayo, Kani salad and Tuna salad.

We really hope you enjoy the new items and welcome any feedback, please email Khun Prim with your thoughts - jibo@patana.ac.th

Bon appetite!

Jiraprapa (Prim) Boonpan - School Nutritionist 14

Bangkok Patana School News

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Lockdown & Firedrill Procedure B

angkok Patana School takes the safety of our school community very seriously. We have a management team that meet and discuss many different crisis scenarios and we have processes and procedures in place for these. We have strong links with the local police and the various embassies who alert us to any security concerns and also visit our school to review our existing procedures and provide advice on security measures.

One of the areas that we practise regularly throughout the year is the Fire Evacuation and Lockdown procedures.

In Term 1 and 2, we have ‘announced’ and ‘unannounced’ drills. This enables our community to practise reacting appropriately in the event of an alarm sounding on the school campus.

Please read the information below carefully so you are aware of our procedures should you be on campus when an alarm sounds.

What to do if you are on the school campus when an alarm sounds?

Lockdown Alarm

If you are on campus and hear the ‘lockdown’ alarm (similar to a siren), please follow instructions from nearby staff.

If you are not in a building, please enter the nearest building and follow instructions from staff. In a lockdown, you should be out of sight until you hear three clear whistles from the security team or are instructed that it is all clear from a security guard or member of staff. You will not be allowed to enter or exit the campus during a lockdown.

Fire Alarm

If you are on the school campus and hear a fire alarm please act immediately and follow the Evacuation Route sign to the nearest assembly point, (see example).

Please make sure that you report to the Zone Fire Point Person who will be wearing an emergency jacket and have radio communication. They will be located in the middle of the zone area and will take your name and tell you where you need to stand. There are seven zones – green, yellow, blue, white, red, purple and orange. Look for these signs when you are next in school to familiarise yourself with the evacuation routes.

If you are outside the school grounds during a Fire Evacuation please note that you will not be allowed entry into school until the all clear has been given. Please follow instructions from our Security team.

What does the flashing red light mean?

If you see a flashing red light on the wall or ceiling it means that an alarm has been activated somewhere in school.

When the light is just flashing you do not need to do anything or leave the building but be on alert to listen for an audible alarm which will let you know what to do next. The activated alarm will be checked by the guards and if necessary the fire alarm or lock down alarm will then sound for you to respond to as normal. So you only need to respond if you hear the actual siren or if a guard or senior member of staff gives you instructions to follow. If it is a false alarm the flashing red light will stop shortly without any alarms sounding.

When will the alarms sound?

Luckily anytime you may have heard the alarm it has been a drill only. We hold announced and unannounced Fire and Lockdown Drills throughout the year and these procedures are for the safety and protection of all students, staff and visitors. If you are on the school campus during the alarm sounding please help to set a good example to all students by responding quickly, remaining quiet during this time and following instructions from Senior Staff.

Many thanks for your cooperation.

01/09/2017

Bangkok Patana School News

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Transport Corner Weekly news from the Transport Department Reminders for the week ahead:

• ECAs start on Monday 4th September. Please make sure you that you check what ECAs your child has been accepted onto via the Parent’s Gateway. Buses will be adjusted according to each students ECA schedule. If you make changes to your child’s ECA schedule please ensure you contact Transport immediately.

• Please encourage the students to check their bus number in advance by looking at their new bus card, which will be distributed on Tuesday 5th September 2017, or by asking their ECA teachers.

• Parents can also check the bus numbers – these will be updated over the weekend and you can check the new bus number from Monday 4th September. Please help us by ensuring your child knows what their bus number is. Please note that it may be different every day of the week.

• For your information, the letters below relate to the time of the bus.

HK/HT – 02:30pm

A – 03:30pm

D – 04:30pm • If you notice your child’s bus number is incorrect please email Transport as soon as possible.

Contact Us

The Transport Department’s direct phone number is 02 785 2470.

The office is staffed from 6:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday.

You can also contact us via email at transport@patana.ac.th

Reminder to all parents and visitors to campus that you must have your Patana ID Badge showing.

Please be aware that, in keeping with our Safeguarding policy, members of staff may ask to see it if not visible.

Thanks for your help keeping our campus safe!

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Community

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Community

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Community

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Community

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For daily updates, snapshots and news on life at school you can find us here...

643 Lasalle Road (Sukhumvit 105) Bangna, Bangkok 10260. THAILAND Tel: +66 (0) 2785 2200 Fax: +66 (0) 2785 2399 www.patana.ac.th Email: reception@patana.ac.th 22

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