Term 3 Magazine June 2018

The Termly Magazine of Bangkok Patana School

Bangkok Patana

Magazine

Issue 55 Term 3, June 2018

Learning

Well-being

Global Citizenship

What Makes Us International?

Getting the Gold

The Rosamund Stuetzel Poetry Prize

Bangkok Patana School is an IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC

LEARNING

CONTENTS

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Issue 55, Term 3, June 2018

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Learning

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Class of 2018 Graduation Half a Century of Service What Makes Us International?

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Well-being

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22 23 24 26

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Global Citizenship 12 20

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The Rosamund Stuetzel Poetry Prize Getting the Gold: The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

Front Cover: Rob Brown and Jackie Houghton, page 10

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Get Recruited!

“Life Is Not About Waiting For The Storms To Pass, It Is About Learning To Dance In The Rain” Alumni Stories: Life after Patana Inter-School Alumni Networking Event Long Service Awards Sports Awards 2017/18

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L ELAORBNAI LN C G GI T I Z E N S H I P

FOREWORD

I

t gives me great pleasure to introduce this edition of the Term 3 magazine. This particular term is very momentous to me and my wife, Kate, because this is our thirty-ninth – and final – term here at Bangkok Patana School. We have seen so much change since our arrival in August 2005. Physically, the school looks different in many ways but the ethos and culture of the school have also evolved and developed significantly. Bangkok Patana has really strengthened its identity as an exceptional international school which offers so many rich opportunities and learning experiences for its students, families and staff. This has been an excellent place to develop professionally. As we prepare for our next exciting chapter in Switzerland, we will arrive there equipped with an incredibly useful skill-set. We fully appreciate the collective efforts which create the first-rate international education which we see here. We are so very lucky to have been joined along the way by two wonderful children, Erin and Arthur, who have benefitted immensely from the rich learning experiences they have enjoyed here ever since joining Nursery.

I sometimes think of an international school as a revolving door, in the sense that people come and go as the years spin round.

Many families are lucky enough to enjoy Patana’s community

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

for very long periods of time, as we have done, but many people do have to move on for various reasons and they are continually being replaced by new families and individuals. This fact actually helps to make Bangkok Patana so vibrant because of the ceaseless change of people within its make-up. Now that we are moving on, we are thinking more and more about the transitions that individuals and families make into and out of a school setting like ours. We are already hoping that, above all else, our children are able to make good friendships when they settle into their next school. I am sure that they will, but I also know that these things can take time as many students, colleagues and parents here would testify. Having spoken to recently graduated alumni, I am struck by their descriptions of the wonderfully strong friendships which they have acquired over their time at Patana. This is surely one of the greatest gifts that our school community can bestow upon the countless people who pass through it. This is what I am reflecting on most right now; the very special, meaningful and lasting relationships which we have been able to nurture here, and this is something which Kate and I are entirely grateful for.

I wish the school and everyone who contributes to it an exciting and fulfilling future ahead. – James Penstone, Cross Campus Principal

Editor: Rebecca Meadows Tel: +66 (0) 2785 2200 Email: reme@patana.ac.th Advertisement: Finn Balslev Tel: +66 (0) 2943 7166-8 Email: finn@scandmedia.com

Design & Production: Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. Tel: +66 (0) 2943 7166-8 Fax: +66 (0) 2943 7169 www.scandmedia.com

Bangkok Patana Magazine is the termly publication of Bangkok Patana School published three times per year and distributed to 2,000 members of the School community. Reproduction of articles, artwork and illustrations by written permission only.

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Abode Bangkok Sathorn Soi 12, North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangruk, Bangkok 10500, Thailand Tel +66 (0)2 635 2040 www.abodebangkok.com Email:enquiry@abodebangkok.com Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am-5pm

L ELA C ARSN S IO NG F 2018

Class of 2018

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Bangkok Patana Magazine

TERM 3 – 2017/18

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LEARNING

HALF A CENTURY OF SERVICE This year, we are saying farewell to two longstanding members of our community, Jackie Houghton and Rob Brown, who between them have given an incredible 51 years of service to Bangkok Patana School. We asked them about their favourite memories of school and what they are most looking forward to in their next chapters.

Jackie Houghton, Cross Campus Assistant Principal Professional Learning Time at Bangkok Patana: 26 years What is your happiest Bangkok Patana memory?

I have so many happy memories both professional and personal.

On reflection, they are all very different but have one central theme.

In all of them, it is when I have seen students and staff have their moments of success: In the classroom when a shy student has had the courage to speak or a wow moment when a student ‘gets it’ for the first time; Watching students persevere as they trek up mountains as part of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award or seeing the satisfaction on their faces when they have spent three days helping to construct a home for a family on a Habitat for Humanity build; Regularly seeing students perform in productions or represent the school in sport; The Global Learner Conference and Continuing Professional Development days when staff and students have been risk takers and stood on the stage for the first time presenting their ideas about education, the environment or what we as a school community can do to improve. Finally, three very special and happy memories were watching my children Jamie, Billy and Rosie walk across the stage as they graduated from Patana. The culmination of all their hard work and that of their teachers. They all entered the school in kindergarten and were given hundreds of special moments.

What is your favourite Patana tradition?

I love all the Thai Traditions including Loy Kratong, Songkran Assemblies and the Wai Kru Ceremony.

What will you miss most about Bangkok Patana?

The students and all the staff. The students who provide a positive spirit and a desire to do their best. The teachers, who support each other, share their passion for learning and encourage their students in all aspects of school life. Finally, the business team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything is ready for learning to happen. A special mention goes to the housekeeping staff who care so much about what they do and are in my opinion the unsung heroes.

What is the most significant change you have seen at Bangkok Patana?

The development of the facilities. When I first started at Patana, the ‘High School’, Secondary School as it is now known, had about 10

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120 students across Year 7-9. The existing World Languages building was the Secondary School and the Science Department was two classrooms with a row of sinks, no gas taps, a stock cupboard with a resident snake and a huge bottle of very concentrated sulphuric acid! It is amazing to walk around the campus today showing prospective candidates and new staff the facilities. They stand in awe of what we have and on reflection this is perhaps something we sometimes take for granted.

What is your funniest Patana memory?

One Fun Day a group of teachers dressed up as different characters and walked round the campus playing a game called spot the teacher. One of us was a hippy, another a security guard and I dressed up as one of the housekeepers. We spent ages walking around with students walking straight past us. It was so funny to see the students’ faces when they spotted us: total confusion!

What was your favourite Christmas assembly?

My favourite Christmas assemblies took place in the 1990s when Father Christmas used to visit Patana appearing on the back hardcourt. He came along the Klong on a hovercraft on one occasion and arrived in a helicopter on another. However, my favourite was when he came in a fire engine and got stuck on the ladder trying to get out of a building. Luckily, he came down safely but it was touch and go for a while!

Bangkok Patana Magazine

Rob Brown, Head of Faculty, English as an Additional Language, Secondary Time at Bangkok Patana: 25 years What is your happiest Bangkok Patana memory?

I think it was when I originally got the job back in 1993! When I came for my interview with Robert Thornhill I was incredibly impressed with the campus as well as the students and teachers that I met during my tour of the school. I was also very keen to obtain a job in a top international school as our daughter, Nadia, was just about to be born so the timing was perfect.

What is your favourite Patana tradition?

I love Book Day as it brings the wonder of books to life! It’s great to see how the members of the Patana community celebrate their favourite book characters. The whole day is a superb advertisement for reading.

What will you miss most about Bangkok Patana?

Seeing the students reach their potential personally, socially and academically is extremely rewarding.

Over the last 25 years, I remember so many fresh-faced Year 7 students who miraculously morph into well-adjusted and successful young adults. It’s moving and dramatic.

What is the most significant change you have seen at Bangkok Patana?

The increased size of the campus along with the number of students and teachers has made a significant difference. Although the Patana ethos and school spirit has been preserved, the school has grown from a village into a city over the last quarter of a century. In the past, you would meet the same people every week whereas nowadays it is possible to go a few months without bumping into a colleague.

What is your funniest Patana memory?

This would have to be when I was on late-night corridor duty on a Year 8 Residential Visit to Kanchanaburi many years ago.

It was the last night of a tiring week and the students were in high spirits following the barbeque and disco evening. When I thought that all the room lights were off and the students were

Who has been your favourite visitor to Bangkok Patana?

Undoubtedly the visit of her Royal Highness Princess when the High school was opened in 1993 and again when she visited recently to open the Science Centre. Apart from this extremely special visitor, I have had the great pleasure to work with and meet many world-class educators as part of my role leading professional learning at Patana. Jenny Mosley who introduced us to circle time, Trevor Hawes the brain man, Dylan Wiliam the assessment guru, Paul and Sharon Ginnis who wrote Teacher’s Toolkit, Clive Leach sharing his views on positive education, Alan November the technology expert, Robert Swan with his message about 2041 and most recently,

asleep, I heard this groaning noise from one of the rooms. This was the last straw! I knocked on the door and announced, “I can hear you in there! Open the door right now or you will be in trouble!” Eventually, after a number of similar threats, the door was tentatively opened by a young Scandinavian couple with tousled hair, sleepy eyes and confused looks on their faces. They told me that they’d just arrived for their honeymoon…

What was your favourite Christmas assembly?

Santa arriving by helicopter, of course!

Who has been your favourite visitor to Bangkok Patana?

Jung Chang visited the school about 20 years ago and signed my copy of her novel, ‘Wild Swans’. This incredible autobiography, which is still banned in China, has sold over 10 million copies. It details the struggles of the 3 “swans” in her family: her grandmother who had her feet bound, her mother who survived the Cultural Revolution and Jung Chang herself who has met such opposition from the Chinese authorities. Ms Chang is an amazing storyteller and captivated her audience with memories from her fascinating life.

What will you take away from your time at Bangkok Patana?

I will take away the hope that I made some small difference to the lives of the thousands of students I taught over the years. I have always been a firm believer that additional language learners need to read regularly if they are to become successful academically. Whilst, of course, I prefer to encourage students to adopt a genuine love of reading, there have been numerous times when I have needed to insist on regular reading habits and enroll the support of parents, teachers and senior management when necessary. I have met many returning students, some of whom are now approaching middle age themselves with their own children, and the enduring message from them has been, “Thanks for getting me to read, Mr Brown. I didn’t always appreciate it at the time but now I firmly believe that it made all the difference.”

What are you most looking forward to doing once you retire?

I want to focus my life away from the hustle and bustle of a full-on career and attempt to enhance my physical and mental wellbeing. I intend to get really fit, eat healthily, read, study and rediscover old hobbies like chess and gardening.

Dick Moore with his very important message about mental health and emotional well-being What will you take away from your time at Bangkok Patana?

There are too many things to mention. I have been so fortunate to work at Bangkok Patana and learn alongside so many wonderful students, parents, staff and educators.

What challenges are you excited for in your new role?

I am excited to be moving to a new school and taking on the role of Head of Secondary St Andrews 107. This gives me an opportunity to take what I have learned at Patana and share it with a new community.

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THE ROSAMUND STUETZEL POETRY PRIZE

By Grant Robertson, Head of Secondary English

The Rosamund Stuetzel Poetry Prize is awarded each year in honour of the founder of our school. The competition celebrates her lifelong love of poetry and is a wonderful opportunity for our students to express themselves creatively outside the classroom. The competition has been running since 2008 and the number and quality of entries each year is always incredibly high. This year the stimulus came in the form of a question

that many international students find frustrating and difficult to answer: ‘Where are you from?’

winning three out of so many passionate and beautifully crafted poems but ultimately the following entries came out of top:

The response throughout Secondary revealed just how powerfully this question resonates with students; indeed, a number of adults in our community have told me that it is a question they have struggled with throughout their lives. It was incredibly difficult to choose the

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1st place ‘What are You?’

by Daywe MacArthur, Year 13 2nd place ‘To My Grandfather’

by Sakooltipaya (Koko) Lotharukpong, Year 12 3rd place ‘The Wandering Canvas’

by Varisa (Fern) Tantivess, Year 11

“What are you?”

A spoken word by Daywe MacArthur, Year 13 I am somewhere between thah mi leh and daughter, mahmah and sister, chit deh and I love you.

My Mother’s mother tongue trips over my lips and seems foreign in my mouth.

I am genetically predisposed to a lifetime of ambiguity.

An almost, a mixed breed, a “what are you?”

I am a stranger to my own likeness bound to a reflection in glass panes that I cannot relate to the blood my Mother bore from love was illegal in her own country.

Yet my bleached skin is glorified, and showered with round-eye pride.

I realize that for the 30 years she’s lived here her definition of home has never changed.

This culture that I have never known despite the fact that it’s always just been underneath my skin.

I don’t speak Burmese, but I say that sometimes I understand.

My Mother left her home for a place that will only ever know her for her Not necessarily the entirety of every word and phrase, grammatical errors. but at least the sacrifice behind them.

My father corrects her grammatical errors I bleached my hair. as if watching her country turn on itself My cousin asks me why I’m trying to look white. wasn’t enough of a slap on the wrist.

I never said I was or When she tells me stories of back home

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maybe I was just trying to get closer to one side or the other I can’t live in the same skin as both father and Mother.

I am the confluence where brown blood meets white blood, the crossroads of everything and nothing, a combination of cultures that can only ever feel flawed.

I am an almost, a mixed breed, a “what are you?”

I am genetically predisposed to a lifetime of ambiguity, and I’m sure that I don’t know what that means.

Bangkok Patana Magazine

To My Grandfather

And with this came other fruits – The sons and daughters And grandsons and granddaughters (even great-grandsons and great-granddaughters) – The basket was almost complete.

Sakooltipaya (Koko) Lotharukpong, Year 12 As the silver moon waned into the velvet sky Bamboo-wrapped cadences and saltstained eyes Enveloped you for a final goodbye.

I loved your laugh, It echoed a dazzling myriad of possibilities; I loved your smile, Those slightly upturned cheeks and glinting eyes; I loved your superstitions, It was funny when you hid money inside your hat; I loved.

You entered into a world of war, A world of distress and suffering.

The red-crowned crane was grounded and its wings were clipped, So your parents watched as gripping a basket woven with wicker and hope Their fresh-faced son soared south.

With calloused hands and focused heart He settled into the Siamese style.

And like the seedlings he would later plant rose-apple and guava and banana His sweetness and allure continued to enchant.

The rose-apple tree has grown and stands tall Beside the gnarled mango tree; Coconuts now hang from high above, Over the humble guava shrub.

A final look into my grandmothers’s eyes, then a final deep and painless sigh.

And as the old order slipped towards a new dawn, so did you.

The Wandering Canvas

When the pigments embrace in harmonious melody, Where the shades intertwine.

Traditional portraits of meticulous lines Articulate the walls of the Phantom Museum.

Impeccable landscapes framed in gold Glance curiously ‘centre-stage’, Where the Odd Painting sits.

But we often find ourselves caught in the gust; The whirlwinds would carry our speckles of colour Away on a voyage To a separate museum, Little fragments of stories getting lost in the storm, So our shades never perfectly meet ‘half-way’, (the combination purely reserved for the locals) And so the various colours And brush-strokes knot and tie themselves up And the mutations ensue.

Varisa (Fern) Tantivess, Year 11

Through their eyes is A canvas splattered with incomprehensive silhouettes, Inexplicable brush strokes And disproportionate calculations, ‘Mistakes’ to be corrected.

Sometimes, their thoughts can be heard: “Have you lost your way?”

“Fetch us a compass!” “...Pinpoint your ancestry on the map” “Let us direct you back home...”

“Let us remedy those faulty edges…”

The queries and requests are endless, All implicit imperatives Demanding answers, Reasons for the invasion into their domain.

But how do we explain?

“But...where are you from?”

There is no ‘home’ for a Wandering Canvas.

We do not conform to any region; Call us vagabonds.

We do not hail from one proposition; Contingency is our friend.

We are palettes of evolving hues, Canary yellow by day, Sophisticated cerulean by night, On a quest for the traditional blend;

In our eyes, A four-dimensional world is not one Where you trace the original reactants Of an irreversible concoction.

It is one where you embark On an Odyssey Along the road beyond the museum, And thus We belong to the present

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LEARNING

WHAT MAKES US INTERNATIONAL?

By Ondine Ullman, Leader of Learning Language Acquisition, Primary School

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t Bangkok Patana, we have long recognised ourselves as an international school. We reflect this in our Vision and Mission statements, and in the tremendous work that has been done over the past few years in developing an awareness of Global Citizenship and embedding this across the learning.

There is a growing branch of educational research that unpicks the characteristics of, and issues surrounding, international school education, leadership and learning. Stemming from this is much debate about what defines an international school. At the most superficial level, Bangkok Patana is immediately recognisable as being International. Our student demographics bear this out with 65

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nationalities and even more languages within our community. We have a multinational, transient teacher population, have received accreditation from recognised international educational bodies, and offer a curriculum that is different to the host country (Thailand) and transferable to other international schools across the world. As a school we undoubtedly tick all the right boxes that legitimately label us as being an international school.

My family is an example of the diversity that is so common here are Patana – we represent two countries from two continents in two different hemispheres; we embrace and live two cultures and two religions and speak two languages at home. Between my husband and I, we have four languages (with varying

degrees of competence!), three of which we share. International Day is a ritual of decision about who of us will represent which country and which national dress comes out of the closet that year.

But when I reflect on who we are here at Bangkok Patana and the experiences that my children have, I truly believe that Patana is more than a checklist of attributes, and that much of what makes us an international school runs below the visible surface.

There is so much that we see, do and hear every day that we would not be exposed to with the same ease and nonchalance in national schools or back in our home countries, and this is helping to shape children who see the world very differently. Children

Bangkok Patana Magazine

Our Parent Home Language Helpers regularly bring learning alive in languages that range from Danish to Urdu, Vietnamese to Brazilian Portuguese. Bangkok Patana pupils experience an array of international food at school, where it’s perfectly normal for Ratatouille Tarte Tartin to sit between Khao Pad Jay and Japanese Vegetable Curry, and also at the homes of their friends.

Through their friendships and connections, our children are exposed to the richness of popular cultural references the world has to offer, from French rap artists to Thai films to Japanese Anime, and while much of this can be accessed through the internet, experiences at Patana facilitate a much deeper understanding of their place in the culture of origin as well as their new standing in international culture. whose experiences are varied, bolstered by a breadth and depth that stems from the privilege of exposure and interaction to the world on a micro-scale. Children who are more open to the idea that identify is complex and difference is valued, and this is key in developing open-minded, compassionate global citizens.

As teachers we see the impact of this in the classroom on a daily basis. In chatting with colleagues, many of them have noticed the depth of discussions that students have during the PSHE lessons in Primary, when issues such as stereotypes and beauty are explored, and learners are able to express how these may be perceived and may differ in different cultures. We regularly see learners take

interest in events happening outside their immediate communities and across the globe, an interest nurtured through rich discussions with parents and siblings at home.

Another colleague referred to the incredible wealth of cultural experience and empathy that learners bring to the reading classroom, all of which is gathered through the diversity they experience every day. Very often students make personal connections to the stories through peers who come from the countries mentioned or who have shared experiences that are reflected in the writing.

Our children take multilingualism for granted and have the opportunity to study foreign languages and home languages at school.

We regularly see our children finding common ground in celebrations and experiences. Patana allows our children to meet people with very different stories, to value these and to embrace commonalities and explore differences with respectful curiosity.

Our children see and understand differing viewpoints, are culturally empathetic, openminded and confident in interacting with people from different backgrounds. They are not afraid to ask questions and don’t see the same barriers and limitations to the world that others might. Rather, they see themselves as citizens of the world, responsible to and for the global as well as the local. It is this, I believe, that moves us beyond a checklist of attributes and that makes Bangkok Patana truly international.

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WELL-BEING

GET RECRUITED!

By Cindy Adair, Assistant Principal, Extra-curricular Activities and Sports and Lieve Perera, Secondary Careers and University Counsellor

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n ECA Block 2, the Careers and Sports and Activities departments collaborated to deliver an ECA for student-athletes in Years 10 to 13 who are interested in pursuing an athletic scholarship in college or university.

Playing sport beyond school is an exciting prospect and there are many opportunities if you know where to look. The ECA, aptly named ‘Get Recruited’, took place over eight weeks with the students undertaking a range of activities to prepare them for and begin the scholarship process.

In the first two weeks of the programme, the group explored the various opportunities available and the steps involved in the application process itself. We looked at what kind of opportunities exist beyond high school athletics in various countries with a focus on the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

We introduced the students to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), 16

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National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic (NAIA) as well as the online Clearinghouse and Eligibility Centre.

Careers Counsellor Ms Perera shared some statistics showing the number of different types of scholarships available in each type of college, so that the students were being realistic in their approach and aware of all their options. We also highlighted some of the more challenging recruitment rules and restrictions to ensure students knew how to maintain their eligibility and amateur status throughout high school.

The next step involved each student creating their own ‘Athletic Resumé’, a CV of sorts but with a focus on sporting achievements. The purpose of an athletic resumé is to act as a “hook” when chatting to coaches and Admissions staff at your target universities. The students examined various athletic

resumés belonging to current scholarship holders to decide on the style, design and features they wanted to include and then went to work. Some opted for an attractive PDF to attach to email, whilst others created an online platform complete with video, statistics and photo galleries.

The group spent time in the Careers department learning how to use all the available online and physical resources as well as pouring over the various college guides. We spoke at length about the importance of finding not just the right sporting opportunity but also the right fit generally for them as a student and a person. Considerations included: do they prefer a city or rural setting? What majors are available? Would they be comfortable in a religiously affiliated school? Is financial support required?

Next up it was time for mock interviews with

Bangkok Patana Magazine

Careers Counsellor Mr Keller. He posed as a College Admissions Officer and quizzed our students in an interview situation, offering advice on how to really sell themselves to a prospective college. Being recruited by a college programme can involve reaching out to a Coach/Admissions Office numerous times over a period of several years via email, Skype and maybe even in person during a camp, college tour or formal interview.

In the final week of the ECA, the group sat down with Class of 2018 student Alex Lacrosse who himself has just been through this process and will travel to the US next year to study and play basketball at college.

He offered our students some very valuable insights into the ups and downs of the process and how to keep that all-important contact with the coaches of your target programme going. He shared that he would often reach out to coaches after a big tournament to

share highlights, statistics and results, but he would also take the time to send the coach a quick note wishing him and his family a Merry Christmas.

This ECA will be offered once a year annually, we encourage any student interested in pursuing a college scholarship in sports to sign up to Get Recruited. In recent years, Bangkok Patana School has had an increasing number of student’s head to the US for

tertiary education and a handful are now combining this with elite level sport. Recent Bangkok Patana alumni have played sport in universities including the University of California San Diego, Emory College, Babson College, Queens University of Charlotte, Wesleyan University Ohio, Carleton College and Duke University.

Good luck to all our students endeavouring to Get Recruited!

“Get Recruited was a great opportunity to get ahead of the game in terms of sport for university/college recruitment particularly for the US, which is something I now feel more informed about. Whether it was building a sporting portfolio or looking at the various types of teams that different schools offer, it is an ECA I would highly recommend to any athlete looking to continue their sport at university. Coach Cindy and Ms Perera possess a wealth of knowledge and were incredibly helpful in steering us to find the right fit of university, aiding us in researching the colleges and being flexible so we could get the most out of this ECA.” Lucy Thompson, Year 11

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WELL-BEING

LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORMS TO PASS, IT IS ABOUT LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN

By Jackie Houghton, Assistant Principal Professional Learning

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hether you’re a teacher, student or parent, listening to Dick Moore is a lot like being on a roller coaster, specifically an emotional one. He pulls you in with his genuine smile, deep laugh and entertaining tales of his life as an educator in the UK. He introduces you to his picture-perfect family, telling anecdotes of the trials and tribulations of raising four highspirited boys. But the warm fuzzy feelings you get from the tale of his successful, charmed, middle class life are suddenly replaced by the tragic revelation that Dick’s third son took his own life.

And it’s that heart-breaking event that brings us to why Dick was standing at Bangkok Patana in May, in collaboration with the PTG, imparting the importance of well-being and mental health care for our children and students.

It did not take him long to convince teachers, parents and students that this is a real issue and one that needs to be addressed. Dick’s mantra is that mental and emotional well-being is everyone’s responsibility. He challenged us to listen to each other and make connections.

He urged us to help our students build resilience, emphasising that dealing with mental stress is learnable and teachable and an essential skill for their future.

Figure 1: Continuum of Emotional Well-being

Bangkok Patana was commended for the commitment we have already made to focus upon mental health issues and well-being. Dick was particularly delighted to see that Well-being is the first one of the school’s three key values and on which the second, Learning, depends. In addition, the school’s continued drive to develop global citizens who have empathy teaches what Dick believes is an essential skill for life.

Dick provided some useful visual models to aid understanding: the continuum of emotional well-being (Figure 1) was included in all his presentations to help the audience focus on the welfare of specific people in their lives, or even themselves. Again, we were challenged with questions: is there really a problem and what has it got to do with me? and ‘What are you going to do?’

Although academic achievements are important and support success later in life, Dick shared another visual (Figure 2) to emphasise that, in fact, skills like self- awareness, responsible decision-making, forming positive relationships are of greater importance and that developing these skills through early childhood, adolescence and into adulthood will actually lead to greater success.

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Figure 2: Key Skills for Education and Life

Bangkok Patana Magazine

Dick also praised us for our comprehensive student safeguarding policy and its commitment to anti bullying. Furthermore, we acknowledged the well-developed Personal and Social Health Education curricular that are delivered in both the Primary and Secondary Schools, which help students build key skills for education and life. He was also impressed with our extensive and diverse extra-curricular activities programme, which encourages our students to be balanced and fulfilled.

Dick’s visit highlighted that there is a problem and although we have actively engaged in tackling the issues, he asked us to consider what more we can do to develop the social and emotional well-being of the young people in our care. Above all, he has encouraged us to make time for staff to engage, to earn trust and to build connections with their students. In the weeks since Dick’s visit, we have all stopped and reflected on his message and it is fantastic to hear the conversations still happening in the community. It is imperative that this kind of meaningful interaction continues.

“A truly inspirational speaker whose personal experiences led him to want to help people/adolescents and realise that life isn’t always easy, things do go wrong and that’s okey. Recognising that you or someone around you needs help and where to get that help is important. As a parent, I could really identify with his points and I took a lot away from his presentation. Real food for thought.” – Debbie Smith, parent “Dick Moore’s presentation was a refreshingly honest look at the issues facing adolescents today. He offered sensible everyday advice for parents as well as highlighting the darker side of mental health and the signs that point to something more serious.” – Fiona Bertoli, parent “An emotionally captivating presentation that moved, touched and inspired everyone in the room to view life from an alternative perspective. Mr Moore’s personal experiences not only taught us the importance of dealing with overwhelming events but it also encouraged us to translate the pain we encounter into wisdom.” – Emily Hagelauer, Year 12 TERM 3 – 2017/18

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GETTING THE GOLD: THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD

By Ishita Chatterjee and Handel Dale Gonzalez, Year 13 The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has been a part of Bangkok Patana School life since 2000 with more students committing to the challenge every year. The Award, which is presented and recognised in 144 countries worldwide, is a personal development programme for young people aged 14 – 25 and is made up of four sections: the Adventurous Journey, Physical Recreation, Skills and Service. The Gold level also included a five-day Residential Project. Students in Year 10 are invited to join the programme which teaches vital life skills such as perseverance, independence and teamwork. This year, 108 students have participated at Bronze level, 74 at Silver and 44 at Gold. Here, two of our recent Gold Award recipients reflect on their experiences.

Ishita Chatterjee – Bronze, Silver and Gold

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he Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has been an amazing experience, one that has taught me important life skills. Over the years, I have completed all three levels of the award choosing to hike for both Bronze and Gold and kayak for Silver. By completing kayaking for my Silver expedition, I was able to experience something new like kayaking around an island! Each of the expeditions I

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have been on taught me the importance of three things: perseverance, optimism and, of course, enough water. The expeditions are both physically and mentally challenging hence, keeping an optimistic attitude is something that helped all of us complete the trek especially our final Gold expedition.

In terms of Service, Skill and Physical Recreation I tried out a variety of activities

over the course of the three levels. However, the one thing that is constant between them was my sport which was basketball. By being committed to basketball, I improved my fitness and strength, which helped me better cope with the challenging expeditions.

Regarding Skill, I mainly focused on drama style activities such as directing or acting in a play as this is my passion and something in which I was keen to develop my skills. By

Bangkok Patana Magazine

Handel Dale Gonzalez – Bronze, Silver and Gold

M

y feet trudged along the muddy path, with each step getting more tiring than the previous one.

I continued to venture past a few paths, through murky alleyways and around a few trees. Fatigue was now gnawing vigorously at my bones as I walked under the bright sky, surrounded by forages of green. This was an exhausting experience that I had undergone in the trips of the Bronze expeditions of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. However, with the help of my friends, I managed to challenge and push myself to continue ahead, resulting in developing myself as a person.

I had learned to work together as a team, plan and cook delicious meals as well as routes to navigate and follow. Furthermore, the scenery always ended up making up for all the struggles at our treks.

This was further developed in the Silver expedition, when I decided to go with kayaking instead of trekking. We collected trash from the beaches we stopped at and explored

the human impact on natural surroundings.

This trip heavily tested our physical abilities but also our independence, self-sufficiency and team work.

Finally, the best experience was on the Gold expedition where I went to trek in Australia.

It was an amazing experience where I managed to investigate and learn about the Australian Aboriginal culture through meeting an Australian aborigine, as well as observing the information we obtained along our trek, the Cape to Cape Track.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award also helped me grow with the required activities (Physical, Service, Skills and Residential Project). The activity where I believe to have had experienced the most strength and growth would be basketball. My general fitness, athleticism and defense have been a strength of mine the whole time, but my ballhandling, strategic mind and shooting skills to be a vital offensive player in the team

directing a play, I was able to improve my leadership skills, which helped me navigate and lead a group during the expedition. For Service, in all three levels, I worked with children and teenagers in some way whether that was through organising PE lessons for them or helping out with the Bronze Award sessions. Service didn’t help me directly during my expeditions however, it did help me understand how to get along or work with

different people; this helped me work better with the members of my group. Overall, I felt that each of the sections of The Award benefited me in some way during the expedition and they have helped me become a more open-minded and well-rounded person.

My favourite expedition would be my final expedition where we travelled to Perth, Australia and hiked for 85 km along the Cape

were lacking. At the end of Year 12, I was able to further advance my offensive skills in order to be more of a crucial player on the court than I was before. This is reflected in the small tests I took with my trainer (which consisted of scoring out of a certain number of shots I have taken, the number of baskets I would make in a given time and my ability to perform ball handling drills with less) with whom I have constantly been improving.

I believe that I have worked on my commitment and perseverance in my activities such as when I was the Sunday school assistant teacher. The children would cry, fight a lot with each other and be very distracted during the classes. However, despite this, I have pushed through and looked for ways and solutions to keep the children attentive and friendly with each other. Due to this, I have not only persevered and not given up, but have also learned to look for answers to tackle problems and to constantly improve my experience.

to Cape Track. I had the opportunity to visit a new country, learn about their aboriginal culture and take surfing lessons therefore making the trip an unforgettable one (the amazing food also made it hard to forget). Overall, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award programme has helped me gain invaluable skills and build stronger friendships. The experiences and memories I have got thanks to The Award are ones that I shall cherish.

TERM 3 – 2017/18

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WELL-BEING

ALUMNI STORIES

LIFE AFTER PATANA

Kimmo Kääriä Management Consultant PATANA ALUMNI CLASS OF ‘99 Nationality: Finnish Having spent most of my childhood abroad, I wanted to return to Finland upon graduating. I studied at the Helsinki School of Economics culminating in a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration. I worked part time at Nokia (which was at that time, amongst other things, the world’s leading mobile phone manufacturer) around concepts of how to support mobile working. Since then I have been in several development, management and leadership roles, mostly in the healthcare sector. For the past four years, I have been a partner at a management consultancy in healthcare amidst the largest healthcare reform in the history of Finland. I enjoy a good work-life-balance and get to spend time with my brilliant entrepreneur wife and two wonderful daughters aged 5 and 7. We love to travel and are planning on spend some years abroad soon.

Andrea Noble Senior Legal Counsel PATANA ALUMNI CLASS OF ‘07 Nationality: Australian After graduating from Bangkok Patana, I returned to Brisbane, Australia and completed a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Queensland. Before I truly entered the ‘real world’, I spent a few months travelling around Europe and the USA, where I caught up with some friends from Patana. I was fortunate to secure an associateship with a Justice of the Queensland Court of Appeal where I had a front row seat to the inner workings of the legal system, listening to some to some of the state’s top barristers argue civil and criminal cases. Associateships typically last one year, so at the beginning of 2014, I commenced work as a solicitor at an international law firm. Life at a law firm was not dissimilar from what you would expect from a tv show (albeit a lot less glamorous, a lot more hours and cases were not over within a 40-minute episode). I specialised in mergers and acquisitions and energy and resource law and have consequently seen very little of the interior of a courtroom since my associateship. Almost two years ago, I took up an in-house role advising an Australian Stock Exchange listed company with a worldwide footprint, but conveniently headquartered in Brisbane, and I am now Senior Legal Counsel.

SHARE YOUR LIFE AFTER PATANA STORIES. email Mark at alumni@patana.ac.th 22 22

• Bangkok Patana School • Bangkok Patana School

Bangkok Patana Magazine

Inter-School Alumni Networking Event It was great catching up with my class (Grad 13) – we had not seen each other for five years but it feels just like high school when were all together again.

Sandy Assakul

The event was well organised and I thought there was a good balance of interaction and time left to just hang out. Venue was a great choice too.

Kenneth Chow The alumni event was an amazing opportunity to meet up with some old friends. It’s great to see how far we’ve all come!

The night was filled with amazing food, catching up and ice breaking activities. It never ceases to amaze me how easy it is for international school kids to get along seamlessly regardless. I left with a full belly and new friends – can’t wait for the next event!

Mark McDowell

ARE YOU GRADUATING FROM UNIVERSITY THIS YEAR? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU email us at alumni@patana.ac.th TERM 3 – 2017/18

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WELL-BEING

Long Service

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Awards

MS KHOBGUL ASAWAPOOM

MS BUAKAO (GAI) KINGKARNJANAWONG

MRS NAWARAT (NOC) RIENTHONG DAI

Primary Thai Instructor

Secondary Art Technician

Secondary Thai Teacher

MS TRACEY WILLIAMS

MRS MALEE VEJCHASITH

Year 1 Assistant Leader of Learning

Housekeeper

Congratulations

25 MRS KUSOL AR-MARD

MR ROBERT BROWN

MRS SASI

Housekeeper

Head of Faculty, English Additional Language (EAL)

KANJANAPHAIROJ

MRS SATHITA

MRS JAMRAS LINJEE

KITCHAROENTHUMRONG

Housekeeping Team Leader

MRS SOMPIS MAYANYONG

Secondary Librarian

Primary Thai Teacher

Housekeeper

MRS PAIBOON KARUN

Housekeeper

MRS TIPA SIPHUM

MR. KANTANA

MRS DUANGSAMORN

Gardener

SOMJAICHANA

TADSORN

Teaching Assistant

School Shop Officer

MS WORANAN TANGPLUB

MS SAYTHONG

Accountant

Housekeeper

We would like to recognise and congratulate these members of staff on their long service 20 and 25-year milestones. We sincerely appreciate their hard work and efforts to the school and thank them for their years of dedicated service to the Bangkok Patana community.

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• Bangkok Patana School

YUANMAE

BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL CLASS OF 2018

Bangkok Patana Magazine

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USA

CANADA

Celebrates Global University Offers

USA

UK 5

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THE NETHERLANDS

1

IRELAND FRANCE

1

1

CHINA ITALY

3

1

HONG KONG

THAILAND

2

OUR 126 GRADUATING STUDENTS HAVE RECEIVED

SINGAPORE

453 OFFERS

3 AUSTRALIA

NUMBER OF OFFERS

BY COUNTRY

From 184 selective universities and colleges (Data correct as of 22/05/18. Southern hemisphere applications are still in process)

Over 100 offers were made by the following institutions listed

in the Top 50 of The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2017-2018 UK Universities Imperial College London King’s College London London School of Economics and Political Science University College London University of Edinburgh

USA Universities Carnegie Mellon University Columbia University Cornell University Georgia Institute of Technology New York University Northwestern University Princeton University

Rest of the World Peking University University of British Columbia

University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Diego University of Chicago

University of Melbourne

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Toronto

University of Pennsylvania University of Washington University of Wisconsin-Madison Yale University

A proud tradition of learning excellence Bangkok Patana School is a not-for-profit, IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC

643 Lasalle Road, Bangna, Bangkok | T: +66 (0) 2785 2200 T E R M 3 – 2 0 1 7 / 1 8 • 25 www.patana.ac.th | admissions@patana.ac.th

WELL-BEING

Sports Awards 2017/18 The annual Sports Awards Dinner was a wonderful evening for all who attended. Well done to all of this year’s student athletes who pulled on a kit and represented Bangkok Patana! Congratulations to the 2017/18 Major Sports Awards Winners: • • • • • • 26

• Bangkok Patana School

Junior Girl – Clara Boucher Junior Boy – Vincent Boulom Senior Girl – Moniqa Neilsen Senior Boy – Matthew (Malachi) Frye Individual Sports Girl – Pawinee (Balloon) Ruamrak Individual Sports Boy – Zhiling (Donald) Zhou