Patana News 12th January 2024

PATANA NEWS

Friday 12th January 2024 Volume 26 Issue 16

Embracing well-being in the new year

By Chris Sammons Also in this issue...

Exploring Beyond the Classroom SEC Roots and Shoots in Chiang Mai Rally4Hearts Transport Updates Outstanding Thai Youth Award Patana Page Turners Fun Day is on 10th Feb! Global Environmental Wins Taylor’s Technology Tips

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Embracing Well-Being in the New Year Chris Sammons, Head of School

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note first to say thank you to the many teams and students who organised such a wonderful Christmas assembly in December. It was great fun for everybody to share song, celebration, dance and hot chocolate after such a long term. We hope the holiday was good for you also and allowed plenty of rest, recovery and family time.

Exercising healthily is more about choosing an activity which is sustainable and enjoyable rather than exhausting. Regular exercise can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases, releasing chemicals that improve stress and promote better sleep. There are plenty of extra-curricular sports, recreation and arts programmes to assist in Term 2!

Sleeping healthily is more about regular sleep than ‘catching up’ lost hours. Mathew Walker has helped the world understand how the brain benefits from a consistent eight hours sleep each night so that it can rinse out the day time build up of unhealthy proteins and get rewired for the new day. Being consistent with a time to get into bed and wake up significantly reduces chronic disease and improves mental health and mood.

The New Year since is a welcome moment to reset. In an international community, we get plenty of opportunities: Chinese cultures will celebrate New Year in February, Tamil Hindus in April and Western Australian Aboriginals October. Whenever the moment arrives, what is common to all, is the desire to be a better version of ourselves.

Finally, being present amongst real people real time can have a profound impact on our physical and mental health. Loneliness or isolation is linked with deterioration in our cardiovascular network and thinking routines promoting depression and memory problems. In contract, activities which involve team work and service to others reduce

After Christmas, being a better version of ourselves is often an aspiration that follows over-indulging. New Year’s resolutions then end up as lists of what we should avoid or stop doing, and in reality, mental and physical health is about what we should do more of.

Eating healthily is more about balance than denial. Eating in a balanced way encourages us to consume a wide range of foods so that our body receives all the necessary nutrients it needs to function properly. A balanced diet can have a positive impact on mental health because foods which contain nutrients that are important for brain and gut health (such as B vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants) also trigger cell reactions which affect our feelings and mood.

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Eat, sleep, exercise, community are innate human needs, each of these contributing to a sense of ‘well-being’.

your habits. Think of it like this, the habit of eating popcorn

Although basic, creating strong habits in each of these areas is challenging for most as well as navigating a number of other modern world distractions. So, start small, just pick one and commit to a different habit that may make the difference.

Consider Aesop’s tale of ”The Hare and The Tortoise”. You will recognise these two different rhythms of living your life. During the race between the two animals, a fast but often-distracted hare and a slow but relentless tortoise compete against each other to get over the finish line. The surprise of the story is that the hare keeps stopping and starting, whilst the tortoise creates a clear but steady routine and eventually wins the race.

A further hack is reflecting on the routines which surround

is part of a routine when visiting the cinema. For most of us, we learned this from our parents who taught us what to do when you go on a cinema outing. This learned behaviour is part of a routine which could be tweaked or disrupted by a bit of imagination. If we want better wellbeing in 2024, creating habits and routines around sleep, eating, exercise and community is within our own gift.

Commit to being a better version of you, not a better version compared to somebody else. For any new habit, do the minimum, but do it. Expect to fail first and view that learning experience as essential for the next stage of success. Always be optimistic about the year ahead, because it really is as good as you want it to be.

Looking forward to a great 2024 with you all.

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Exploring Beyond the Classroom:

How educational visits deepen students’ learning David Walton, Leader of Learning and Welfare Year 2

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n the dynamic landscape of education, there is an increasing recognition of the importance of experiential learning. Educational visits provide students with the invaluable opportunity to step outside the traditional classroom setting and immerse themselves in real-world experiences. These excursions not only enhance academic knowledge but also foster a deeper understanding of subjects and skills. Year 2 students at our school recently embarked on two eye-opening trips that vividly illustrated the enriching impact of educational visits.

Educational visits cultivate a sense of wonder in primary students, encouraging them to ask questions, seek answers, and develop a genuine passion for learning through direct experiences.

DIVING INTO THE DEPTHS: A JOURNEY TO THE SEALIFE CENTER AQUARIUM As part of their Habitat theme, Year 2 students set out on an unforgettable adventure to the Sealife Center aquarium. The aim was to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, allowing students to witness firsthand how habitats and ecosystems connect and sustain life.

discussed their observations, connecting the dots between what they had learned in school and what they witnessed at the aquarium. This handson approach undoubtedly left a lasting impression, reinforcing

At the Sealife Center, students marveled at the diverse marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to majestic sea creatures. The immersive experience helped them comprehend the intricate relationships within ecosystems.

Observing the behaviors of aquatic animals allowed students to witness the delicate balance required for these habitats to thrive.

The excursion not only deepened their understanding of marine ecosystems but also sparked curiosity and engagement. Back in the classroom, students eagerly 4

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the importance of preserving our planet’s habitats.

A STROLL THROUGH NATURE’S CLASSROOM: RAMA 9 PARK AND “THE SECRET SKY GARDEN” In response to the themes of friendship, safety, kindness, and the beauty of the environment explored in the book “The Secret Sky Garden,” Year 2 students embarked on a visit to Rama 9 Park. This immersive trip aimed to provide students with a tangible connection to the story’s setting, allowing them to draw parallels between fiction and reality.

transforming the reading experience into a multisensory adventure. Students were not only inspired by the vibrant flora but also gained a deeper understanding of the characters’ feelings and experiences. The trip to Rama 9 Park breathed life into the narrative, making the lessons of the book more relatable and meaningful for the students.

As the students wandered through the lush greenery of Rama 9 Park, they were captivated by the diverse plant life and the serene atmosphere. The park not only served as a living backdrop to the events in the book but also provided a tangible representation of the characters’ experiences.

Students felt the soothing effects of finding a green space to relax in, mirroring the characters’ emotions in the story.

This visit transcended the confines of the classroom,

In conclusion, educational visits are powerful in that they offer students opportunities to see, touch, and experience the subjects they study. The Year 2 excursions to the Sealife Center aquarium and Rama 9 Park vividly demon-

strate how these real-world experiences enrich students’ learning, deepen their understanding, and leave a lasting impact on their academic journey. If we continue to find opportunities for educational visits, we ensure that our students are not just learning about the world but actively engaging in it.

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SEC Roots and Shoots Trip to Chiang Mai Suphakorn (Veer) Srisakulchawla, SEC Secretary and Techatat (Pat) Techasukij, SEC Member

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n 8th December, a group of students and teachers from the Student Environmental Committee travelled to Chiang Mai and further uphill to the Wiang Haeng district towards the ‘solar village’. With a khao soi stop for lunch, the first of many Northern Thailand delicacies we were lucky to indulge in, many of us who weren’t accustomed to the local cuisine were pleasantly surprised by the distinct and robust taste of northern Thai food. After gorging on the spicy lunch without hesitation, we headed up to our hotel to diligently prepare for a long-awaited visit to Pang Wua village.

dren spared no time as they excitedly picked out some of the toys we had brought from Bangkok. We began distributing clothes and woolly hats to all the villagers and were pleasantly greeted by the politeness and gratitude displayed by all, from the elders to the youngest children.

We donated over 700 items of PE and sports kits and around 100 kilograms of donated winter clothing; 25 solar-powered fans were also given which could utilise the power from the solar panels installed during previous visits.

After this, it was time to enjoy the newly-built playground that was funded by the Fun Run in 2022 honouring Ms Angela Royle. We dedicated the playground to Ms Angela, who was a teacher at Bangkok Patana from 2007 until 2021, and nothing could have displayed Ms Angela’s love for being active better than a playground where children can play. Both the village children and we enjoyed playing on the playground; it was a nostalgic experience and left us all with unforgettable memories.

Following a rather bumpy ride up the hill, we arrived, puzzled to be greeted by an empty village as everyone was preoccupied with the festivities below us. Even without the villagers present, we prepared our donations by laying out the donated fans, clothes and toys, forming a human chain to transport them from the back of the truck to the hut. This proved helpful as the villagers soon poured into the village and welcomed us; the village chil-

After a lively trip to Pang Wua village, we were invited to a local wedding whose host, Taew, is a village member. The newly wedded couple decided to host this event near Pang Wua village, where Taew grew up.

Many people at the wedding were residents of Pang Wua village, and some definitely stood as they wore our recently donated Bangkok Patana sports kit!

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Although we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Pang Wua village, a bittersweet moment arrived when it was time to leave. However, there was no time to waste as the trip was not yet over; we still had over a day to go before the flight, and it can be said with certainty that we did not waste a single minute of our remaining time. Right after the wedding, we visited the Maehat waterfall which is 30 minutes from the village; the waterfall was a sublime cascade of water.

After that, we saw the Wat Fah Wiang Inn, a famous temple bordering Myanmar. Here, we educated ourselves on the most prominent religion of Thailand, Buddhism. The next day, we stopped by two iconic tourist destinations of Chiang Dao. The Chiang Dao Cave was filled with several artefacts and Buddhist shrines.

Mr Smith decided to go bat

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spotting in the cave, but sadly none could be seen. As we admired the many relics of the past, it felt like we were traversing through time. We decided to go to Wat Tham Pla Plong to conclude our exhilarating string of visits. We were lucky to see a small snake on our way back down from the temple, but none of us could take a clear photograph of the snake. It was a tiring 510 steps to reach the temple, but Buddhist proverbs motivated us along the way, giving us an excellent excuse to stop and read the spiritual proverbs. One that stood out in particular was: “If we have patience and perseverance, we can overcome anything that confronts us.”

After eating breakfast by the riverside of our hotel, we headed to the airport to return home to end our memorable journey. Some key takeaways from this trip were the exciting food and the villagers’ expressions as we gave them all the donated clothes and fans. It was also lovely to see the playground in action. I strongly recommend

everyone go on the annual Roots and Shoots SEC trip to Pang Wua village, and I look forward to seeing new faces coming along with us when we return next year.

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Rally4hearts Doubles Tennis Tournament Karnpichcha (Ada) Chanyarakskul 12G, Founder of Healing Hearts Club

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s the founder of Healing Hearts, I am thrilled to share the journey of our student-led organisation dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease within our community. Our mission is to educate, promote heart health, and ensure that individuals suffering from heart disease receive timely and affordable healthcare.

This Rally4Hearts doubles tournament aimed to bring our school community together in a fun, healthy activity while addressing a serious health concern. Heart disease affects millions globally, making awareness crucial

well-being. Through this choice, we aimed to encourage physical activity while reinforcing the importance of heart health in a memorable and engaging way.

The success of Rally4Hearts goes beyond the funds raised; it lies in the impact on our participants. Mr. Andrew Haughton, a teacher, shared, “It’s a fantastic event, it’s great seeing students, parents and teachers come together for a good cause.” for prevention, early detection, and reducing stigma. Our fundraising efforts are directed towards children awaiting heart surgery due to congenital heart disease. The aim is to provide lifesaving interventions, ensure access to specialised care, improve quality of life, and alleviate financial burdens. Together, we strive for a healthier society and better outcomes for those affected by heart conditions.

Joshua, a student from ICS, added, “I like the Rally4Hearts event as I get to play tennis and support people with heart disease!”

A heartfelt thank you to our supporters, participants, and the incredible team members who worked tirelessly to make Rally4Hearts a success. Special thanks to Hydro flask and our sponsors, whose generosity fueled our efforts.

While Healing Hearts has accomplished much, our journey is only beginning. Stay connected with Healing

Organising the recent Rally4Hearts tennis tournament was a personal milestone for me and the entire Healing Hearts team. This event was not just about raising funds; it was about embodying an active, heart-healthy lifestyle. Choosing tennis as our activity was intentional, symbolising the importance of physical well-being in maintaining a healthy heart. Tennis, with its dynamic nature, symbolises the rhythm of a healthy heart. It’s not just a sport; it’s a metaphor for the proactive steps we can take to maintain cardiovascular

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Hearts through social media for updates on upcoming events, educational resources, and ways to get involved.

Follow us on Instagram (@HealingHeartsClub) to be a part of our journey. Together, we are creating a future where heart health is a priority, and those affected by cardiovascular diseases receive the care and support they deserve.

School Photographs

Formal School photos also start next week with the Primary School from 15th – 24th January, and Secondary School from 25th January through to 2nd February.

If parents wish to take advantage of a family photo session, please use the links below to book a slot. The booking system will close on 16th January at noon: 15th-19th January, Primary Hall: https://buytickets.at/pretaportrait/1085160 23 January, Foundation Stage: https://buytickets.at/pretaportrait/1085201 25th-26th January, 29th January- 1st February, Conference Centre: https://buytickets.at/pretaportrait/1085203 For questions or information please email publish@patana.ac.th.

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Services Updates

TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT

YEAR 11 TRIAL EXAM TRANSPORTATION: During the Year 11 Trial Exams, morning and afternoon Transport Service will operate as usual with no changes to pick-up times in the morning. However, as the finish times for individual students may vary in the afternoon, parents are required to inform the Transport team in advance if they wish to cancel or modify their child’s afternoon bus arrangements. We’ll do our best to accommodate requests based on route and seat availability.

FRIENDLY REMINDER: BUS PICKUP PUNCTUALITY Please encourage your child to be at the pickup point on time as the bus cannot wait for late boarders. This ensures a smooth schedule for other students and prevents delays in reaching the school.

Kindly be informed that the 3-minute waiting period from the scheduled pickup time has been discontinued. This adjustment is made to maintain timely arrivals, as waiting 3 minutes for each student at every stop could potentially lead to delays.

EASY PASS FOR SCHOOL BUSES: We’re excited to announce that all our school buses are now equipped with Easy Pass, streamlining journeys through all tollways for quicker, more efficient transportation to and from school. Your understanding in this matter is much appreciated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team at transport@patana.ac.th.

Achievements from Our Community PIANO PRIZE IN HONG KONG!

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alila Tung, 5L participated in the 11th HKYPA Hong Kong International Youth Performance Arts and Music Festival on 11th December 2023. Dalila earned 3rd prize in Piano Grade 6 at Thailand’s preliminary round. She played her favorite piece called the Jazz Exercise No. 2 by Oscar Peterson. Dalila was one the youngest in this category. Next, she will compete in the final round in Hong Kong this coming February.

‘BEAT THE WORLD’ DANCE

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va, 8H joined “Get the Beat World Finals 2023” held on 18th-22nd December. This event combined the contestants from all over the world who passed the qualifying rounds from many countries. She did not only meet the last year World Championships, but also experienced the world talented dancers from all over the world.

Here are the results from her 5 entries.

1. ‘World Championship Title’ with Diamond level for Trio Junior Jazz.

2. 2nd place with Diamond level for small group (Under 15) Contemporary.

3. 3rd place with Platinum level for Duo Junior Jazz.

4. 4th place with Diamond level for Solo Under 12 Lyrical 5. 3rd place with Platinum level for Trio Teen Contemporary

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TALENTED STUDENTS! 10

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Outstanding Thai Youth Award 2024 C

ongratulations to six students who were chosen by The Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC) to receive an Outstanding Thai Youth award from the Minister of Education.

Students received their award on 10th January 2024 from the Minister of Education and the Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin also presented a speech at the Royal Thai Government House.

The award ceremony is held during January to celebrate Thai National Children’s Day. Outstanding Thai Youth Award 1.

Fahsai Pibulsonggram, 12G

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Att Chansiri, 13T

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Sharnipa Tantiponganant, 13T

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Tanat Tungsubutra, 13C

Outstanding Thai Youth Award in Arts/Music 1.

Chanya Somboonvechakarn, 8H

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Phanthira Chirathivat, 6M

The students had few words to share: FAHSAI, 12G I am so grateful to be one of the recipients of the Outstanding Thai Youth Award this year. Receiving this award has inspired me to work even harder in the future and push myself to do more for the school and the community.

ATT , 13T “I am honoured to be awarded the Outstanding Thai Youth Award and would like to extend heartfelt thanks to my teachers and peers for their unwavering support and encouragement”

SHARNIPA (PA), 13T “I am deeply honoured and grateful to have received this prestigious award as it symbolises the culmination of my ambitions and commitments that have shaped me into the person I am today. This recognition inspires me to continue pursuing my passions and giving back to the Thai community” TANAT (JOHNNY), 13C “I feel over the moon and reassured that my good deeds have been recognised. I never expected to win a such a prestigious national award (or take a selfie with the Prime Minister)!

My best advice: The more you give, the more you get.”

CHANYA (BAYLA), 8H This is my second year receivieving the “Outstanding Children and Youth who bring fame to the country in Arts, Culture and Music”. Thank you to my parents and my family for their endless support, guidance, and encouragement. Receiving this award is a great honour, and a motivation for me to work harder in the coming year.

PHANTHIRA (FIRA), 6M “I am honoured to receive this award. I thank my friends, family and teachers for always cheering me on, encouraging me and supporting me”

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Patana Page-Turners Your monthly round up of reading recommendations. This month’s theme… Bravery INTERVIEW: KULCHAD (SHEEN) THIANTHAI, 11T CHAIR OF THE TIGER SPORTS COUNCIL 1. What is one of your fondest or most favourite reading memories?

My fondest reading memory was when I was in New York in 2017, picking up the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio from a bookstore. This book has captivated me in particular because it reflects courage and kindness. The novel illustrates the development of positive qualities that a human being can achieve, which I think is very heartwarming. The main character, Auggie Pullman, has been born with facial defects and he has to fight to receive acceptance from his classmates and the community. This novel has enlightened me to understand my feelings and thoughts, and to understand the feelings and perspectives of others as well as embrace diversity and differences. It delivers a powerful message; the importance of kindness, acceptance, and tolerance, since it has taught me to use my voice and stand up for what I am and to help others who are more vulnerable in society.

2. Which fictional character would you most like / least like to meet in real life and why?

I would like to meet ‘Little Miss Sparkle’, from the book Little Miss Sparkle written by Adam Hargreaves. It is because she is friendly, energetic and outgoing. Meeting her would uplift the room and bring a sense of happiness. Moreover, I grew up with the “Little Miss” series and meeting characters like Little Miss Sparkle could evoke feelings of nostalgia and a connection to cherished childhood memories.

3. What does ‘heroes’ mean to you? Do you have any book suggestions for this theme?

To me, ‘heroes’ connotes someone who upholds integrity, undertakes willing sacrifices for the good of others, is unafraid of criticism, and always gets back up after falling . Heroes never give up, even when it is difficult. One book I would recommend is written by a sporting hero, Misty Copeland’s Life in Motion, An Unlikely Ballerina. It is a story about a African-American ballerina who strived her way to become a professional principal ballerina at American Ballet Theatre.

Her heroic act can be perceived from how her success inspires a lot of those who are born with lack of privileges especially girls who are born with different skin colours and face racism. Her story can prove how everyone can achieve their goals by putting their best effort in everything they do. This can be portrayed from Misty’s quote “I just try to approach every opportunity on stage as if it’s my first time and my last time”.

these evil crimes to justice. Will he outsmart his nemesis?! Full of daring, suspense, peril, and triumph, this is a wonderfully funny tale of an alternative superhero. The bold pictures capture the imagination and the story provides plenty of opportunity for trying out different character voices. Small people will love the madcap energy and silliness, while parents can groan inwardly at the terrible puns and smile at the references to Adam West’s Batman.

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, by Kate Pankhurst

This is a beautiful book telling the stories of brilliant women who achieved amazing things by never giving up or giving in to the thought that women shouldn’t or couldn’t do certain things. Some you may have heard of, like Rosa Parks and Emilia Earhart, others, like Mary Anning (one of the first and most important paleontologists) and Gertrude Ederle (first woman to swim the English Channel - two hours faster than any previous man!), you may not. The book brims with gorgeous pictures and fun facts about some of the brave, creative, intelligent, and heroically-determined women who changed our world for the better. It’s a super way to inspire all young people to follow their hearts and to persevere!

KEY STAGE 2 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Robb Falls (Year 4 Learning Support teacher) How to be a Hero by Graham Howells Do you know how to cross a troll bridge, escape from a dungeon or survive a banshee’s wail? Learn all the skills a budding hero needs in this indispensable guide to the world of fantasy and legend.

Boys Who Made a Difference by Michelle Roehm McCann From Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to Nelson Mandela, Vidal Sassoon to Bob Dylan, Tony Hawk to Matt Groening this collection, from the author of Girls Who Rocked the World, features young men from across history and around the globe who have all achieved remarkable things.

KEY STAGE 3 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Francesca Kiatvarangkura 9B Cursebreakers by Brigid Kemmerer Cursebreakers is a fantasy-romance trilogy written

by Brigid Kemmerer that has heroic themes running throughout the books. Prince Rhen, the Crown Prince of Emberfall, is under a terrible curse cast

by Lilith, an enchantress, and his only family left is Grey, his Commander of the Royal Guard. To break the curse, he needs to have a girl fall in love with him from the ‘other side’, but so far, it hasn’t been easy.

Harper, a regular teenage girl who lives in Washington D.C, has

FS AND KEY STAGE 1 RECCOMENDACharlotte Kavanagh (Patana parent) Supertato, by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet It’s night time in the supermarket, and all is quiet. Or is it..?

Suddenly the vegetables are being captured and bullied, but who is responsible? That’s when Supertato springs into action to bring the perpetrator of

TIONS:

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Curious if we have any of these books available in our libraries? Come and Visit us her own problems, too.When the story begins, Grey is sent to find another girl from the other side, which is Washington, D.C and comes across Harper, and brings her to Emberfall. Harper soon finds herself in a fantasy-like world, and she is desperate to get back home. Prince Rhen has never seen a girl this rebellious and strong before, and slowly gets more curious about her. But he has other problems. This is his last season to make a girl fall in love with him, or else the monster will forever plague the lands of Emberfall. Now, instead of running, Harper stays, becoming more determined to help Emberfall along with Prince Rhen. But Lilith, the evil enchantress, has other plans. Will Harper be able to save Emberfall along with Prince Rhen? And will love blossom between the two?

Sharyn Narula 7W Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling Lots of people of all ages love the Harry Potter books but not everyone appreciates that. Harry is a true hero! A book I therefore recommend with a selfless hero has to be Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. In this book, Harry Potter demonstrates his selflessness by risking his own life to try and save his godfather, Sirius Black, from the clutches of the Dementors. Despite the danger and uncertainty, Harry puts himself in harm’s way because he believes it is the right thing to do. This act of bravery and selflessness is ultimately aimed at defeating the evil wizard, Voldemort, and the restoration of peace in the wizarding world. Will he be victorious or will it end in disaster? The Prisoner of Azkaban is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, magic, and stories of bravery and heroism.

KEY STAGE 4 AND 5 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Advika Agarwal 10L The Gilded Wolves by Roshni Chokshi The Gilded Wolves is a trilogy by the Indian-Filipino author Roshni Chokshi. Gilded Wolves is a series about five adults dwelling in 1889 France, in an alternate universe, where quite a big part of the population is born with the gift of Forging. Forging has two variations: mind and matter.

Someone with a matter affinity could manipulate either solid, liquid or gas. All five adults, Severin, Laila, Hypnos, Enrique and Zofia, in some way, have been broken, bruised and abused. The Gilded Wolves consists of mature themes of racism and slavery. Severin and Hypnos were birthed by mothers who were both slaves brought in from Africa. Lailawhile it may not be racism, had experienced a fair share of prejudice from her own father. Enrique had been treated “superior” because of his Spanish looks, despite him also being half Filipino, and Zofia had been bullied her whole life because she was a Jew- also following the events of the assassination of Tsar Alexander. All having some sort of trauma is some part of their life that influences who they are.

Gilded Wolves follows the mythological story of the Tower of Babel, in which certain people seem to be trying to reconstruct the Tower in order to become God - at the small 12/01/2024

price of bringing chaos to humanity. Can our five heroes save the world from destruction? Or will they succumb to the megalomania of utter power? Read to find out!

Yan Yan 11Y Nirvana in Fire by Hai Yan Set in the Chaos of the five dynasties and 10 kingdoms in China, this historical novel weaves a story of heroism, loyalty, betrayal, redemption and responsibility, the main character (Linshu) a strategist who hopes to clear his family’s name, bring justice to the 70,000 souls of his comrades. The story begins with Linshu waking up from a nightmare of his past. Linshu would never forget that day (the ordered execution of his entire clan), but today he wakes up as a different person, his facial features and skin has become unrecognizable. He seizes this opportunity to begin his heroic quest, though weak and with little time, he has already secured a huge amount of masters who would take his commands.

Nirvana in Fire can be perfectly described as “a stroke which creates a thousand autumns, resonating to generations after”. I strongly recommend this book to the audacious readers who believe they have the depth to consume it.

Amanda Ljungberg 13W The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion Joan Didion deserves her reputation as the cold, detached, all-knowing voice of late twentieth century America. The Year of Magical Thinking, however, thrusts her into disarray. As she struggles with the death of her husband and the grave illness of her daughter, Didion contemplates memory, grief, superstition and love, all with her characteristically immaculate prose; anyone who has experienced loss will recognise her portrayal of it, regardless of how personal her story is. This is a raw, intimate, profound piece of literature from one of the most brilliant authors of recent times. While there is no happy ending, and there is no guide to enduring the deaths of those we love, there must be some form of heroism in seeing oneself through such immense suffering. The book that won Didion her National Book Award in 2005.

MORE RECCOMENDATIONS: FS and KS1- The Detective Dog, by Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie KS2- Heroes: How to Turn Inspiration into Action by Marcus Rashford, Stand Up, Stand Out!: 25 rebel heroes who stood up for what they believe by Kay Woodward KS4 and Senior Studies - The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

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PTG Updates Fun Day is on 10th February!

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Celebrating Global Environmental Wins: Stories of Innovation and Regeneration Ana Bolakoso, SEC Key Stage 3 Rep

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n a world often dominated by stories of environmental challenges and crises, it’s crucial to take a moment to celebrate some of the remarkable global environmental wins that inspire hope and remind us of the positive impact human innovation and conservation efforts can achieve.

Here are a few uplifting stories of environmental successes from around the world.

1. The Return of the Bald Eagle In the United States: The bald eagle, once on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and the effects of the pesticide DDT, has made an astounding recovery. Thanks to legal protection, habitat conservation, and the banning of DDT, the bald eagle population has rebounded significantly. This iconic bird has been removed from the Endangered Species list and now thrives in many parts of North America.

troducing native species, allowing natural processes to shape ecosystems, and creating wilderness areas. These efforts have led to the recovery of numerous species, including the European bison and the Iberian lynx, while fostering healthier and more biodiverse landscapes.

5. Great Green Wall Initiative: The Great Green Wall is an ambitious project aimed at combating desertification and land degradation in the Sahel region of Africa.

The initiative involves planting a mosaic of trees and plants across a stretch of land to prevent the southward spread of the Sahara Desert. This collaborative effort to restore and sustain the land involves 11 African nations; Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Djibouti.

6. The Plastic-Free Islands of Vanuatu: The South Pa2. The Great Barrier Reef’s Resilience: Australia’s cific nation of Vanuatu has taken a bold step towards Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most iconic coral addressing plastic pollution by declaring a ban on sinecosystems, faced severe bleaching events due to rising gle-use plastic bags, straws, and containers. This initiative ocean temperatures. However, researchers were amazed is part of a broader effort to protect the country’s pristine to discover that some parts of the reef were more resilient environment and marine life. Vanuatu’s commitment to rethan expected. Scientists are studying these resilient are- ducing plastic waste serves as a model for other nations as to learn valuable lessons about coral adaptation and facing similar challenges. conservation strategies that can be applied elsewhere.

7. Costa Rica’s Renewable Energy Milestones: Cos3. China’s Giant Panda Population Growth: The giant ta Rica has become a shining example of sustainable panda, China’s national treasure, was once considered energy practices. The country has consistently relied on critically endangered. However, through tireless conser- renewable energy sources like hydroelectric, wind, and vation efforts, including habitat restoration and captive solar power to meet its energy needs. In 2017, Costa Rica breeding programs, the panda population has steadily in- achieved a major milestone by running on 100% renewcreased. In 2021, the International Union for Conservation able energy for 300 consecutive days, demonstrating the of Nature (IUCN) downgraded the giant panda’s status feasibility of a clean energy future. to “vulnerable,” marking a significant milestone in conserThese stories of environmental wins remind us that with vation success. dedication, innovation, and collective efforts, we can 4. Rewilding in Europe: In various European countries, make a positive impact on the planet. While environmenrewilding initiatives are transforming abandoned farmland tal challenges persist, these successes demonstrate that into thriving natural landscapes. Rewilding involves rein- change is possible and that our actions matter.

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Bangkok Patana School News

12/01/2024

#263: Best Podcasts of the Year W

hat is it about lists that attracts us? Perhaps part of our brain has evolved to feel comforted by order and routine, perhaps it’s a sense on control in our chaotic lives. I digress. Here is a list of the best podcasts of 2023 categorised by age (3+ to 14+) and compiled by Common Sense Media. Good to see my favourite is in there: Grown from the Moth. Explore them with your family. Perfect for the drive to school in my humble opinion.

Have a great weekend!

Brian Taylor Assistant Principal, Technology for Learning

12/01/2024

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COMMUNITY

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Bangkok Patana School News

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