Patana
NEWS
Challenging Our Thinking About Sharks Pg. 4 Bangkok Patana is an IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC
Letter from the Cross Campus Principal
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hank you to all in the community who contributed to our three recent surveys on Bangkok Patana’s ECA Programme. On these pages I would like to visually summarise some significant findings. At the end of the article there is a link to a fuller set of survey results.
Who Responded?
Audience Total Respondents
Students (Y5 - Y12) 513
Parents 352
Academic Staff 138
The student survey was open to students in Year 5 upwards. Of the 352 parent respondents, the majority of their children are in the Primary school (orange above) but there are a significant number of Secondary students represented too (blue above).
How Much Do You Agree That a Four Block System is Better Than a Three Block System?
In all three surveys the majority are in favour of the new four block system. However, there are significant numbers—especially in the parent survey (40%) — who prefer the old three block system. I heard informal feedback that the new system might suit Secondary students the best, so I analysed the student results for Year 5 and 6 only (top right) and found that still the majority prefer the new system.
ECAs and the Mission Statement
The ECA Selection Process — Is it Fair?
In all three surveys the majority agreed that the ECA programme supports our Mission Statement (parent results are shown top left). Some asked the relevance of such a question. My answer is that everything we do should be aligned with our Mission and Vision statements. On the topic of whether the sign-up process is fair, both parents and students (top right) voiced a significant majority agreement that it is fair.
PARENTS’ VIEWS: Top Fifteen Strengths of the Programme / Top Fifteen Aspects to Improve Theme of Strength (PARENTS) The Variety of ECAs on Offer Students Can Try Something Different
Number of Theme of Improvement (PARENTS) Mentions 119 Return to Three Block System 18 Address The Cost / Fees of the ECAs
Social Interaction with Other Students
16
They Take Place on the School's Campus
16
The Staff Running the ECAs
Number of Mentions 16 15 13
11
Provide more of the oversubscribed ECAs Ensure Continuity of ECAs between blocks / between years Increase Overall Variety
Transport Systems
10
Increase Variety in Certain Blocks / On Certain Days
10
The Sign-Up Process
9
Provide ECAs with more depth of learning experience
9
ECAs are Developmental for the Students
7
Some ECAs are too short
8
Students Can Pursue Their Special Interests/Passion
7
Increase Coaching Quality and Provision
8
The Learning Experience
6
Improve Communications
7
The Quality of the ECAs ECAs Provide a Balanced Experience
6 5
Improve Sign-Up Process Requests for Specific Activities
7 7
ECAs are Convenient for Parents
5
Request for More Recreational Sports
6
Free ECAs
5
Improve Quality of ECA Providers (in general)
6
The Organisation of the ECAs
5
Provide Feedback to Students and Parents on progress and learning
5
12 10
The final questions we asked were what do you think are the two greatest strengths of the programme, and what are the two most important aspects to improve. Not everyone answered these optional questions (e.g. 146 out of 352 parents chose to give ‘areas to improve’). I assigned each response a theme (best fit) and counted how many responses matched each theme. In the advantages, a huge number (119) of parent comments referred to the variety of ECAs on offer. All other themes (strengths and areas to improve) have much smaller numbers. However, the purpose of any survey like this is to seek areas we can improve upon. Therefore all comments left by parents, students and staff will be carefully scrutinised as we seek to make our ECA programme even better next academic year. A fuller set of results can be viewed by clicking here. Please do contact me (jape@patana.ac.th) if you have any feedback in response to these results. James Penstone, Cross Campus Principal
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or my science project I am investigating people's attitudes towards sharks using research and observations. The negative misconceptions of sharks often change the way that people act towards them, and it is imperative to be aware of the species significant role in the oceans, of which we are so heavily dependent on. This project which aims to raise shark awareness was introduced to me by Ms Ferguson whereby Siam Ocean World allows schools to take in baby bamboo shark eggs until they hatch. One of them (Champ) has hatched already! There are three other
eggs which will hatch in approximately two weeks’ time. By undertaking this project I hope to inform people about the endangered species as well as challenge students and adults to acquire a deeper understanding of not only the risks to sharks, but how we can prevent these risks. Perhaps this will spark an interest from our school community and encourage them to develop a more personal connection towards this important issue. Feel free to check out the remaining shark eggs near the Smoothie Bar next to the Science Centre!
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s part of the Student Environmental Committee’s (SEC) drive to make Bangkok Patana a more environmentally friendly school, for the second year running the SEC awarded ‘The Greenest Vendor’ at Fun Day. The winner was Sloane’s who were given the accolade for a wide number of reasons. Madeline Frye (12A) tells us why, to read the full article click here. “In the midst of whooping children splashing about the dunk tank and their parents, unwinding with a mug of beer under bright umbrellas, sits a stall selling sausages and hot dogs. Whether you spotted him selling sausages at the Farmers Market or have dropped by his new shop (just opposite Bangkok Patana on Soi Lasalle), Joe Sloane is making his mark by selling natural meat in the budding market of grain fed meat. Joe Sloane started off as a chef in London, conscious of the products he used. In the UK, his job afforded him the luxury of ringing up farms to place detailed orders, right down to choosing the breed of pig he wanted. Upon Sloane’s move to Bangkok, he discovered the restaurant procedures were far different. The quality of ingredients wasn’t prioritized and Sloane felt his passion for food wasn’t fulfilled by the mass-produced, hormone-injected meats. Instead, he decided to create his meats independently.”
University/College
Representative
Location
Date
Time
Raffles College of Higher Education
Khang Le
Senior Studies, 2nd floor
30.05.16 12:15
Singapore Institute of Management
Ms Iris Neo
Senior Studies, 2nd Floor 30.05.16 12:15
#31: Digital Citizenship Family Tips and Match Blitz Common Sense Education produce a handy series of Family Tip Sheets categorised by age group. Topics range from cyberbullying to respecting creative work. The one page sheets outline the issue, why it matters and give a series of strategies to help in tech-related conversations you may be having with your children.
Match Blitz is a great multiplayer app that develops visual perception, memory and concentration skills in children. I particularly like the fact that you can use it in 3 player mode – rare in the app world. The app is appropriate for 4-8 year olds and as always I encourage you to enjoy the game with your children. The app costs $0.99 and is available in the iTunes store. Click on the image to watch the review beforehand. Tech companies have responded to the growing research on the impact of blue light on the quality of sleep. For example, Night Shift mode in the latest iOS 9.3 version and Android equivalent apps, now make it much easier for you to take advantage of the option for you and your children. Have a great mindful-tech weekend. Brian Taylor, Assistant Principal, Campus Curriculum Technology Integration
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angkok Patana School advises all parents to ensure that they have suitable personal accident insurance for their children whilst taking part in all school activities. To find out more details about the School Insurance Cover please click here. This information is also available on the Parents’ Gateway. All personal items that students bring to school are the responsibility of the student to keep safe. Any damage, loss or theft is not covered within the school insurance policies. Please ensure that you have adequate insurance cover for all necessary personal high value items and remind your child to ensure they take good care of all of their own items.
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ummer is here in Thailand! The air is hot and dry providing the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Here are six illnesses to be mindful of during the summer months.
Acute Diarrhoea can be occur when eating or drinking water contaminated with infections, such as uncooked food, raw food, food that has attracted flies or food that has been sitting for a long time. Symptoms can include loose bowels, liquid water flux, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. People experiencing acute diarrhoea should drink plenty of water or liquid food, such as rice, soup and oral rehydration solution. If symptoms persist or do not improve seek medical advice.
Food poisoning is a very common gastrointestinal infection caused by toxins. Commonly bacterial toxins are found in food prepared in an unclean environment, food that is not cooked properly or food past its use by date. People experiencing food poisoning which can often show itself as acute diarrhoea, should drink plenty of water and oral rehydration solution. If symptoms persist or do not improve seek medical advice.
Dysentery is caused by bacteria entering the body through eating contaminated food or water. Symptoms of dysentery often include pain in the stomach followed by a fever and diarrhoea but may also include headaches, body aches, nausea and vomiting. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and oral rehydration solutions if required. If symptoms persist or do not improve seek medical advice.
Cholera is an acute illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe, even fatal. Usual symptoms include profuse watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and leg cramps. The cholera bacterium is usually found in water or food sources that have been contaminated by faeces from a person infected with cholera. Cholera is most likely to be found and spread in places with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene. If you think you or a member of your family may have cholera, seek medical attention immediately. Dehydration can be rapid so fluid replacement is essential.
Typhoid fever is a serious disease spread by contaminated food and water. Symptoms of typhoid include lasting high fevers, weakness, stomach pains, headache, and loss of appetite. Some patients have constipation, and some have a rash. Internal bleeding and death can occur but are rare. Typhoid vaccine is only 50%-80% effective, so you should still be careful about what you eat and drink. If you believe you or a family member has the symptoms of typhoid, seek medical advice immediately.
Rabies is a disease passed to humans by infected animals. Ways of catching rabies include being bitten, scratched, or through the infected animals saliva. The best prevention is ensuring pets are vaccinated annually and avoiding contact with unknown animals. If you receive a bite or scratch wash the wound immediately with soap, water and antiseptic and consult a doctor immediately.
Most of these infections are caused primarily by consuming contaminated food and water, so please ensure the food you eat is thoroughly cooked, raw food is refrigerated and you are drinking clean, bottled or boiled water. Also ensure you and your family are washing your hands before eating and after going to the toilet. Reference: www.thaigcd.ddc.moph.go.th and http://www.cdc.gov/
PTG Bus Inspections Every year the school buses that are over six years old undergo an additional inspection by the school and we invite parents to join and take part in these inspections. This is a very important but simple job that helps ensure the safety of the children using the school buses. This year the inspections are taking place on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th June from 8:30am – 10:00am and we would like to ask for help in completing these - especially from those parents whose children use the school Transport Service. If you are able to help please contact Khun Pa in the Services Department (phca@patana.ac.th) with the day that you are able to assist. A check list is provided to help with the task and further detail will be provided. Primary FOBISIA Parents of students participating in and/or siblings staying after school to watch the Primary FOBISIA Games
on Wednesday 25th to Friday 27th May are reminded to inform Transport about changes to bus requirements. Please plan ahead and cancel in advance to avoid unnecessary delays to other bus users. For all transport queries and requests please email transport@patana.ac.th or call 02 785 2470.
Drop Off / Pick Up Zone Please remember that no cars should be left unattended in the pick up / drop off zone at the front of school. Parents and/or drivers must remain with their vehicle at all times and not walk into school. Blocking the area for other parents/drivers causes inconvenience and upset. Please help to ensure that no cars are left unattended to keep this area running smoothly. If parents/drivers need to leave the car to enter school please park across the road in the Sports Complex Car Park. Thank you for your understanding.
Taxi Area Please do not pick up or drop off students/parents in the area in front of True Coffee especially during peak times. Cars waiting in this area not only cause congestion on Soi Lasalle but they also block the area for people using a taxi often requiring them to step out into the road to get in a taxi. We want to help to ensure the safety of our community at all times so please drop off/pick up in the drop off zone or at the Sports Complex car park.
Soi Lasalle 39 Some students are being dropped off at the U-turn area / entrance to Soi 39. Please do not drop off in this area. It causes congestion and is not considered a safe drop off area. Please drive into the car park to drop off, use the drop off zone or the Sports Complex Car Park. Thank you for helping to ensure the safe arrival of your child to school.
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nvoices for school fees for Term 1 2016/2017 were sent to families/companies on Wednesday 11th May 2016. If you have not received your invoice please contact the Accounting Department or email accounts@patana.ac.th Please note that the due date for settlement is on Friday 10th June 2016. Payments received after this date will be subject to a late payment charge of 1% per month. Thank you, Accounting Department
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angkok Patana is delighted to announce that Danes Worldwide will be providing Danish language support to Danish children or children with associations with Denmark as part of the Home Languages ECA programme in the upcoming school year. All Danish nationals or children with connections to Denmark are eligible, regardless of current language levels. If you would like to find out any more information, then please come along to an informal coffee morning on Wednesday 25th May at 8:00am in LIB 207 (second floor of the Secondary Library) where you will have the chance to find out more about the programme and ask any questions that you might have. If you have any queries in the interim, please contact Ondine Ullman (onul@patana.ac.th) or Jen Peppard (jepe@patana.ac.th). We look forward to seeing you there! Kalder alle danske familier! Bangkok Patana er glade for at kunne fortœlle, at Danes World Wide vil tilbyde hjœlp til at lœre dansk som en del af deres Modersmåls ECA program i det kommende skoleår. Alle danske børn eller børn med tilknytning til Danmark er velkomne, uanset deres nuvœrende niveau. Hvis du gerne vil vide mere, så kom til en uformel coffee morning på onsdag den 25 maj kl 8.00 i LIB 107 (2. sal af Secondary biblioteket). Her får du yderligere information om programmet, og du vil få chancen for at stille spørgsmål også. Hvis du har nogen spørgsmål i mellemtiden er du også meget velkommen til at kontakte Ondine Ullman (onul@patana.ac.th) eller Jen Peppard (jepe@patana.ac.th). Vi ser frem til at møde dig på onsdag!
EU REFERENDUM OVERSEAS VOTER REGISTRATION From the British Embassy Bangkok Taking part in the EU Referendum The British Embassy Bangkok and British Chamber of Commerce Thailand are proud to be working with the UK Electoral Commission to help promote voter registration among UK citizens living overseas. Registering from overseas If you are a UK citizen living overseas, then you may be able to vote in the EU Referendum on 23 June 2016. In order to do this you must first register as an overseas voter. If you aren’t registered, you won’t have the chance to have your say at the referendum. You can register to vote online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. It only takes a few minutes. To register as an overseas voter you must have been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years. Once you have submitted your registration application, you can then choose how to cast your vote from outside of the UK – either by proxy (when you appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf) or by post. Voting by post or proxy Make sure to register by 16 May if you want to vote by post in the EU Referendum. This is so you have enough time to receive and return your postal ballot paper. If you want to vote by proxy, you have until 7 June to register. Make sure you register and submit your application to vote by post or proxy as soon as possible. You can read more information at aboutmyvote.co.uk
June Exhibition at the Neilson Hays Library
The Journey of Coffee - The Journey of Life Group exhibition by Indigenous artists of Northern Thailand Led by Thirach Rungruangkanokkul June 4 - 26, 2016 Opening Reception: Friday, June 10th at 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Open Daily from 9:30 am - 5:30pm, Tuesday - Sunday. The Journey of Coffee – The Journey of Life exhibits unique art pieces that humans have created in cooperation with nature. The group exhibition, put on by a group of Thai artists and Indigenous people from the mountains in Northern Thailand, is about the art of living in harmony with nature. This way of living will be demonstrated and presented in different forms, from printed canvases and woven wall hangings, to Indigenous music and coffee art. Cotton creations are important components of the exhibition. Natural cotton flowers have been manually collected, spun, dyed and woven to create different artworks. Each individual yarn creation represents different lives and spirits. There are blankets, bags and wall hangings that deliver the message of sustainability from generation to generation. Another important component of the exhibition is coffee. Stories and scents from the forests are articulated through coffee art, showing the transformation of shade-grown coffee cherries to finished ecological coffee. The resulting fragrances and tastes represent the richness of Doi Indhanond, the highest mountain in Thailand. The Journey of Coffee – The Journey of Life will be on view in the Neilson Hays Rotunda & Garden Café Galleries from June 4th through June 26th, 2016, while an opening reception will be held on Friday, June 10th at 6:00 - 8:00 pm. A workshop associated with the exhibition will be held on the Saturday, June 11th, from 10am to 3pm in the library. For further information about Thirach Rungruangkanokkul and the Indigenous artist group please email thirach.r@gmail.com.
The weekly canteen menu is available here. Please check the calendar on the Parents’ Gateway, Student pages and Staff Centre for up-to-date information on school events. Visit www.patana.ac.th and click on the relevant icon to log in