By Matt Seddon
The Power of GraTiTude
Matt Seddon, Secondary Principal
Like many families, the Seddons are preparing to embrace the opportunities, changes and challenges 2025 will bring. Looking back, the break was a special time for us, as it was our first family Christmas together in Thailand. Our children, aged five and three, really enjoyed the family time and were excited by the generous gifts they received from our family and friends. There was a lot of laughter in the house! Our eldest loved his Lego marine explorer set, while our youngest couldn’t stop playing with her Thomas the Tank engine train set. These moments of joy are precious and have really remind us as a family about the importance of gratitude.
I’m sure that we can all agree; parenting is tough. Alongside the laughter came arguments and tears at times, often linked to sharing and the overwhelming nature of new toys. As relatively new parents, this amplified the continual worry of getting things wrong. How can we instil in our chil-
dren from a young age the importance of gratitude?
Gratitude is more than just a polite response; it is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance our well-being. Research in positive education and positive psychology has shown that practicing gratitude can lead to numerous benefits. For instance, Chen et al. (2024) published a study in JAMA Psychiatry in July 2024 which found that participants with higher grati-
Gratitude is more than just a polite response; it is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance our well-being.
tude scores had better emotional and social well-being, improved sleep quality, and enhanced cardiovascular health. Remarkably, the study also suggested that gratitude may even lengthen lives.
Additionally, research by Chih-Che Lin in 2017 demonstrated that a high level of gratitude positively impacts psychological wellbeing, self-esteem, and reduces depression. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives and expressing appreciation, we can cultivate a more optimistic outlook and build resilience against life’s challenges. In the spirit of this, a practice we have adopted as a family is discussing what we are grateful for during dinner time, or what has made us feel happy during the day. Taking time as a family to reflect positively on the day is a great way to foster implicit gratitude – focusing on the good and being mindful of how blessed that makes us feel.
Engaging in service opportunities allows students to give back to their communities and also develops a sense of empathy and gratitude. In our Primary School, the Christmas Collection project was a great way to get our children focused on gratitude.
Each year group collected and donated items that helped their partner charity. For example, FS gave rice, oil, nappies, and milk powder to Home of Grace, Year 1 gave books in Thai to Grapongdeang School, and Year 6 gave backpacks filled with toys and necessities to children affected by slavery through the charity A21. These projects also provide us as adults in the community with the opportunity to role model to our children.
Another book that I have turned to help my understanding of gratitude is “The Opposite of Spoiled” by Ron Lieber. In this book, Lieber emphasises that gratitude is not just about saying “thank you,” but about understanding the value of what we have and recognising the efforts of others. He encourages us to incorporate these principles into our daily lives, to help our children develop a deeper sense of appreciation and avoid the pitfalls of entitlement. One of his suggestions is to put children’s allowance
into three transparent jars, each labelled with a different purpose; one for spending, one for saving, and one for giving to charity. This is something
I am immensely proud of our students and their dedication to serving others... They are a source of pride for us all and when I speak with them, they remind me that Patana’s commitment to instilling these values is one of the reasons we chose to work within the Patana community.
that I am really keen to explore within our family. Additionally, Lieber’s approach to discussing money openly as a family has helped us think about how we may navigate challenging financial conversations with our chil-
dren – something that us Brits can find very uncomfortable, whilst beginning to encourage a sense of financial responsibility in our children.
In Secondary, the strong emphasis on the value of continues through the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, particularly through the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component. I am always impressed by the range of service that our students engage with. Whether refurbishing old technology and providing it to those who need it, promoting cancer research, helping flood victims in Northern Thailand, food donations, installing solar panels to rural communities, supporting animal shelters or working with blind schools – there are opportunities for everyone. This holistic approach to education helps cultivate well-rounded individuals who understand the importance of contributing to our communities, and who in turn learn to become more grateful.
I am immensely proud of our students and their dedication to serving others. They exemplify the values nurtured from Nursery through to Primary and Secondary School. They are a source of pride for us all and when I speak with them, they remind me that Patana’s commitment to instilling these values is one of the reasons we chose to work within the Patana community.
So practically, how can we ensure that we bring up grateful and committed children? I have great confidence in the values that Patana will instil in our children and the opportunities that they will have. With this in mind, I have come to the conclusion that I should start with me. I have found that keeping a gratitude journal, where I jot down three things I am grateful for each day, not only makes a significant difference in my overall happiness and stress levels but also ensures that it remains high on my list of priorities to role model conversations
around gratitude for our children. I am also consciously considering how I can actively be involved with service alongside our students so that I am role-modelling to my family. We have always ensured that our children record personal videos for family members who sent gifts, but this year we have more intentionally talked to them about why we do this; expressing their genuine thanks must always be a priority. In addition to teaching our children about the importance of gratitude, recording these videos also strengthened our family bonds. I remember one moment when our youngest was being really stubborn, and we all ended up in fits of giggles. These moments, though small, are precious and help us build a foundation of gratitude in our family.
Cultivating a culture of gratitude is essential for our personal and collective well-being. By teaching our children to appreciate the generosity of
others, exploring the benefits of gratitude through research, and engaging in meaningful service opportunities, we will all be making a commitment to ensure that the Patana community strives to be the most grateful and compassionate community that it can be.
References
1.
Chen, Y., Okereke, O. I., Kim, E. S., Tiemeier, H., Kubzansky, L. D., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2024). Gratitude and mortality among older US female nurses. JAMA Psychiatry, 81(7), e241687. https://doi.org/10.1001/ jamapsychiatry.2024.1687
2.
Lieber, R. (2015). The opposite of spoiled: Raising kids who are grounded, generous, and smart about money. New York, NY: Harper.
3.
Lin, C.-C. (2017). The effect of higher-order gratitude on mental well-being: Beyond personality and unifactorial gratitude. Current Psychology, 36(1), 127–135. https://doi. org/10.1007/s12144-015-9392-0
SChooL aNNouNCeMeNTS
SChooL PhoTo SeSSioNS are here!
Primary School photos until 22nd January
Secondary School photos: 23rd –31st January
This year school photos will be taken by Sunshine Photo. Under the agreement, all photos will be stored by Sunshine for 1 year and then all files will be deleted to comply with PDPA guidelines. Sunshine offers a large variety of products, which they will detail when the student proofs are sent home.
School photos taken in Term 2 will be used on all school databases and on report cards, etc. from Term 3 of this academic year through to the end of Term 2 of the next academic year.
CLASS AND INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS
Your child’s class teacher/tutor will let the students know when their class photo is scheduled. Class photos are taken with students and their teachers, parents are not allowed into the photo room.
If your child misses their class photo, they will not be digitally added into the group photo. In the Yearbook, we will add a separate photo of the missing child beside the group photo.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SICK ON THEIR PHOTO DAY?
If you know ahead of time that your child will not be present for their photo, please inform their class teacher/ tutor so that an alternate day for their photo can be arranged.
Primary: If your child misses their photo day, please contact their class teacher to ensure your child goes to the photo location within 31st January to have their individual photos taken. No appointment is necessary during school hours. The student will need to show their Patana card (Years 3 –13), or be accompanied by an adult.
Secondary: Students should head to the photo room to have their photo taken, immediately upon returning to school. No appointment is necessary. They should have their Patana card with them.
Catch Up Day: A catch-up day will be scheduled and communicated via the Secondary Daily Notices and Primary Class Teachers. Students who were unable to get their photo taken during the three initial weeks of scheduled school photos, should get their photo taken on this day.
CAN WE HAVE A FAMILY PHOTO TAKEN?
Appointments for family photos can be requested by sending an email to publish@patana.ac.th along with your children’s class details. Requests will be considered on a first come first serve basis.
QUESTIONS?
air QuaLiTy PoLiCy
As the Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM 2.5 levels in Thailand can fluctuate significantly, we want to remind you that the Air Quality Index (AQI) and heat index are displayed on the Firefly Dashboard. You can also find links to both our Air Quality and Heat Index policies there for your reference. If you have any questions or concerns we encourage you to reach out to your child’s class teacher or tutor for further clarification.
Mark GriST: iNSPiriNG CreaTiviTy
ThrouGh PoeTry
From 25th to 29th November, the Secondary English Faculty had the privilege of hosting poet and spoken word artist Mark Grist. Over five days, students from Years 7 to 12 experienced Mark’s poetry and creativity in a series of engaging workshops that left them inspired, and eager to explore their own voices.
Mark, a former teacher turned fulltime poet, brought a lively energy to each session. His love of language and rhyme, authentic style and endless enthusiasm for all things poetry related struck a chord with students and staff alike. It was clear from the outset that this was not going to be a typical school visit; Mark’s unique approach to poetry had everyone on the edge of their seats, ready to create.
With Year 7 students, Mark delved into the world of villainy, challenging them to create their own villainous rap battles. The Black Box buzzed with
excitement as students crafted clever and creative verses, stepping into the shoes of their fictional antagonists. Year 8 took on the art of collaborative slam poetry, working in teams to produce powerful performances that celebrated the strength of collective creativity.
In contrast to their younger peers who worked together, Year 9 students were given the opportunity to write their own individual poems, exploring themes close to their hearts. Mark’s guidance and encouragement helped them find their unique poetic voices, resulting in pieces that were both personal and profound.
A Year 9 student reflected: “I really enjoyed Mark Grist’s workshop. It was inspiring to see how he approaches poetry and to create our own poems in a similar style to his. It helped me learn about the importance of creativity and expressing my emotions through writing and sharing
it to others.”
Meanwhile, Year 10 explored the concept of identity through the theme of “Where I Am From?” Students reflected on their roots, their experiences, and their aspirations, creating deeply evocative works that spoke volumes about their diverse perspectives.
For Years 11 and 12, Mark offered a rare glimpse into the life of a poet, sharing his journey from teacher to spoken word artist. He discussed the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative career, inspiring many students to consider how they might incorporate their own passions into their futures. The sessions were both motivational and insightful, leaving students with a newfound appreciation for the dedication and creativity involved in a poet’s life.
Furthermore, Mark’s impact wasn’t confined to the Secondary School; he spent time in the Primary School,
Rosemary Marshall, Key Stage 3 Curriculum Leader for English
introducing younger students to the joys of poetry and his picture books including ‘Rhinos Don’t Cry. Additionally, Mark met with the Year 11 Core Magazine editorial team to offer advice on the writing, drafting and publishing process – having this first-hand expertise was a very valuable experience for the students.
Mark Grist’s visit was an unforgettable experience, one that highlighted the power of words to inspire, connect, and ultimately, give confidence to put pen to paper. His workshops not only nurtured students’ love of language, but also encouraged them to take risks, be bold, and embrace their creativity.
Mark reflected on his week by saying:
“My week at Bangkok Patana School was an absolute pleasure. I’ve loved working with students across all year groups and have been so impressed by their creativity and enthusiasm. I loved performing Rhinos Don’t Cry and playing rhyme
games with Years 1 and 2, sharing a poem about my dog Boo, with Years 3-6 and then seeing Year 7s craft some incredible multisyllabic rhymes
Year 8s embraced the energy of slam poetry, Year 9s pushed boundaries with creative risks, Year 10s wrote deeply personal poems about places that matter to them, and Year 11s and 12s engaged brilliantly as we explored what poetry and rap have taught me over the years.
(Ursula the Sea Witch—congrats on the win!), it’s been such a rewarding experience.
Year 8s embraced the energy of slam poetry, Year 9s pushed boundaries with creative risks, Year 10s wrote deeply personal poems about places that matter to them, and Year 11s and 12s engaged brilliantly as we explored what poetry and rap have
taught me over the years. Our lunchtime rap battle, the book signings (we sold out—thank you!), and meeting the Core anthology team were particular highlights. Well done to all the students I worked with - you smashed it!
A huge thank you to Rosie Marshall, Stephen M, and all the other staff I got to spend time with for making me feel so welcome. I often miss having colleagues and I loved being a part of the team this week. Bangkok Patana is truly a remarkable school and community, and I’ve loved every minute of my visit.”
The English Faculty would like to thank Stephen M and the Libraries Team, Building and Grounds for the tech and set up for each session and Secondary Teaching Staff in their flexibility for students to attend sessions.
Enjoy some of the poems written and performed by our students after attending the session and getting inspiration from Mark.
Thanos Villain Rap
I am Thanos I’m dangerous like Ramos I’m the biggest baddy. If I snap, you will become flat And it’s guaranteed death –You will live until your last breath. This is a Thanos paradox Be afraid because you smell like dirty socks. I’m a purple guy, When I stomp you all will fly. I will give you a dog treat I am Thanos, I can speak Spanish When I snap you will vanish I am so vintage.
Written and performed by Reyansh, Hassan and Jin Jin, Year 7
I am from a place where posters lined the walls , where vines fall from the ceiling as though it’s a waterfall, where the Aircon home proud , even though I think it’s quite loud, but even yet I love my room, even if it’s messy and I might need to vacuum
I am from a place where green takes up the space, where stuffed animals sit on my bed and every day I leave without a trace, this is my bedroom where I love to be me who cares just let me be
By Suzie Bickford, Year 10
Constellations of possibility 2024
Beneath the midnight sky, Mapping constellations of hope and wonder, As I breath a hefty sigh, My thoughts turn into a cold, empty tundra, A endless void of nothingness, How dare I dream of all things big and small, These dreams of lucidness, Feel so real, so big and tall, Yet within this vast expanse, Each star a beacon, a guiding light, Whispers of possibility dance, Leading me through the darkest night. Showing me path, path towards dreams, Morpheus showing me the extremes.
Elliott Tooley, Year 12
Black Crowd, Gold Scenery
The crowd bustling, Leaving not a single minute of silence I start walking out in the hope of escaping And closing my eyes
The sunlight shines filling you with happiness, Shrubs and flowers surround you in a magical cityscape. A sight to behold and no one shopping, Empty chairs in the street helping me find my golden place to persevere,
Through life. I am so happy. I can hear my thoughts and remember them, Witnessing them grow, and allowing myself to cherish my wild imagery.
And not a single person to …
BANG!!!
Lost the image and having to deflate back to life. The noise running into my ears and becoming a flood. Lights and cars flashing in front of my eyes. The gold has gone and the black has appeared again
By Jhanvi Golechha, Year
11
#289 CyBerSeCurity & Qr CodeS
Do you know that QR means Quick Response? QR codes were originally invented in 1994 by a subsidiary of Toyota to improve their manufacturing process. They were ahead of their time, long before smartphones. They were then adopted by marketing companies to al-
low mobile devices to quickly launch websites with a long and complicated addresses. Now, globally, and in particular Thailand QR codes are almost ubiquitous in terms of our daily financial exchanges, from major supermarkets to small shops along the soi. They’re everywhere. This form of digital cash transaction is so convenient that several people I know don’t carry cash around anymore. The latest phishing campaigns, known as Quishing, are now exploiting this general trend to using QR codes, so we need to be vigilant.
For example, would you know that this image was a quishing email? More recently QR codes have been used as part of massive global phishing campaigns. According to Microsoft, approximately 1.5 million QR code phishing emails are blocked per day. Scanning a malicious QR code can take you to a website that can harvest the usernames and passwords of your bank account and other sensitive data. Also, phishing emails are becoming much more difficult to identify. The prevalence of A.I. has made it much easier for the phishing emails to appear genuine. There are no longer spelling or grammatical errors. In addition, they use A.I. to create sophisticated campaigns to target demographics within society that may be susceptible to this type of cybersecurity attack.
If you suspect the email is a phishing for data, do not click on any links or open attachments. Report it as phishing within your email client first, then delete it. Do not forward to anyone else. If you’re not sure, take a screenshot and contact helpdesk@patana.ac.th. Reporting it as phishing will help to block further emails being sent to members of our community. This is a collective responsibility we have within our community to keep us safe.
You can keep up to date on the latest phishing campaigns here.
Stay safe.
Brian Taylor
Vice Principal, Technology for Learning
ACADEMIES AT PATANA
foBiSia GyMNaSTiCS 2024
Wright, Head of Gymnastics
In December, our Gymnastics team travelled to Jakarta for FOBISIA Gymnastics, bringing the largest team of participants — a fantastic 56 gymnasts — alongside their dedicated and supportive families. Competing internationally at the British School Jakarta (BSJ), our gymnasts showcased their fierce determination, Tiger Spirit, and exceptional gymnastics skill.
The competition was filled with moments of success and learning opportunities, as our students not only gave their best but also cheered one another on with unwavering support. A huge congratulations to all team members for their hard work and outstanding performances, particularly those representing BPS for the very first time. What a way to debut on the international stage!
A special shoutout goes to our Level 5 gymnasts, who
continue to inspire with their advanced skills, including many gymnasts mastering difficult elements that elevated their routines. Their dedication and discipline set a high standard for all.
Bangkok Patana earned numerous podium finishes and team awards, reflecting their talent and preparation. Equally important were the valuable lessons learned along the way, which will undoubtedly fuel future achievements. Students have come away with more confidence and determination for the competition season ahead.
We couldn’t be prouder of our gymnasts for the passion, camaraderie, and spirit they showed throughout the competition. Thank you to our coaches, families, and supporters for helping to make this event such a success.
Georgina
TaPS LauNCh ParTy: a CeLeBraTioN of
Experience the creativity of our Bangkok Patana School community through the Teachers as Practitioners (TAPs) Project, uniting over 30 academic and business staff members from Primary, Secondary, and Cross Campus to showcase their artistic talents. From photography and painting to sculpture, music, creative writing, and more, the inaugural exhibition, ‘Patana Canvases: Unveiling the Artistic Practices of Our Community,’ celebrates the diverse expertise and passions within our school. The exhibition marks the culmination of the TAPs Continued Professional Learning (CPL) programme, which fosters a collaborative space where professional roles intersect with personal artistic passions. Since its launch in March 2024, this pioneering initiative has empowered staff to explore their creative passions alongside their professional work, highlighting the transformative power of the arts in enhancing well-being, strengthening community connections, and inspiring innovation in our work. We are excited to share the results of this collective dedication and journey with you.
Join Us for the Launch Party!
We warmly invite students, staff, and parents to the TAPs Launch Party on Friday, 31st January 2025, from 3pm to 6pm in the Theatre.
Event Highlights:
• Opening remarks celebrating creativity in teaching, art, and life
• Video showcase: Insights into the TAPs CPL journey
• Live performances
• Preliminary research findings: A summary of the programme’s impact
• Certificates of recognition: Celebrating participants’ outstanding achievements
• Publication release: Featuring artworks and artist statements from participants
• Engage with artists: Meet the creators and discuss their works in the Exhibition Hall.
Live Performances
The Launch Party will feature an exciting line-up of live performances, including a musical duet by Mark Lanzuela and Krit Kosoltrakul, captivating vocals from Charinthon (Meaw) Yensuang, and a book reading by Rick Kirtland from his newly published children’s book. Sharon Godfrey and her students will present monologues and performance art, while Suveenat (Nanzee) Noinual will bring a vibrant Latin dance, and Phuttamaporn (Ying) Sombutdee will dazzle with a dynamic dance performance. Purnima Ghogar and her former Spoken Word Poetry Showcase ECA student, Aarushi Zariye, will deliver powerful spoken word poetry. This eclectic mix offers something for everyone, celebrating human connection and the collaborative creativity within our community.
We look forward to seeing you there! Enjoy a video trailer of the exhibition and get inspired!
Purnima Ghogar Ruanglertbutr, TAPs Project Lead, Exhibition Curator and Researcher | Secondary English Teacher
TeaCherS aS arTS PraCTiTioNerS (TaPS) ProjeCT: arTiST SPoTLiGhT
Among the diverse range of artworks in the upcoming exhibition, ‘Patana Canvases: Unveiling the Artistic Practices of Our Community,’ is the photographic collection of Amanda Fielding, a Secondary English Language and Literature teacher who has transformed her love of travel and nature into a meaningful artistic practice. In my interview with Amanda, she shared insights into her mobile-camera photography, which captures fleeting moments of beauty with simplicity and intention, offering a fresh perspective on discovering personal and creative journeys. Amanda’s work, alongside that of more than 30 other staff members, celebrates the transformative power of the arts. Visit ‘Patana Canvases’ to immerse yourself in
the vibrant creativity of our community.
1. What inspired you to create this collection, and how does travel influence your photography?
This photography collection ‘A Year of Discovery’ is inspired by my deep love of travel, nature and adventure. Solo travel has been a powerful way for me to navigate personal challenges, offering a sense of freedom and rejuvenation that allows me to connect with myself on a deeper level. As I explore new landscapes and cultures, I’m often drawn to moments that demand to be captured.
Interview with Amanda Fielding, Secondary English Teacher
Purnima Ghogar, TAPs Project Lead | Secondary English Teacher
2. How do you approach capturing spontaneous moments while traveling?
I’ve found that the spontaneity of these experiences can be hindered by the need to set up traditional digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) equipment. Instead, I’ve embraced the simplicity of my mobile camera, which allows me to document these fleeting moments of beauty with ease.
3. What kinds of subjects resonate most with you, and how has your perspective on photography evolved over time?
Through my simple lens, I capture landscapes, wildlife, people, and places—preserving memories that resonate with me long after the journey ends. Initially, I would only share these images on Instagram or keep them for my personal collection, viewing photography as a hobby without any clear direction. However, the TAPs project has shifted my perspective, giving me the focus and intention I previously lacked.
4. How has the TAPs CPL programme influenced your creative process?
Participating in the TAPs CPL programme has encouraged me to see my photography as more than just a personal escape—it has become a passion and a means of artistic expression. This exhibition marks the first time I have channelled my creativity in a structured, purposeful way, transforming what was once a casual pastime into something much more meaningful.
5. Can you share more about yourself and the inspirations behind your work?
I’m a Secondary English Language and Literature teacher. I obtained my PGCE Secondary English and QTS from the University of Portsmouth and my BA (Hons) English and Media Studies degree from the University of Winchester. Outside of photography, I enjoy running, hiking and generally being in nature. I also love to travel and experience new cultures and environments, which continue to inspire my photography.
exPLoriNG SiChuaN
Smith, Curriculum Leader, Environmental Science
Iamoften asked what my favourite place in the world is for wildlife. Of course this is a difficult question because there are so many places that offer so much in terms of nature and wildlife. My columns have featured Thailand for years now and Thailand without a doubt ranks as one of my top wildlife destinations. It is definitely one which I have explored and documented in greater depth than most countries.
When I really think about this question, there is one country that stands out – China! Yes, that’s right, China. Of course China does have a well deserved reputation of being fairly ravaged environmentally with many of its cities ranking as the most polluted in the world on any given day. And most of its rivers are heavily polluted as well. It is facing many issues to be sure.
Interestingly, China has more protected nature reserves and protected areas than any country on earth. Only three are given the name ‘national park’, but the protected areas around the country have allowed for many of the world’s most amazing animals to thrive and recover over the last few decades.
During my Christmas break, I returned to the middle kingdom with some of my mammalogist colleagues for a
super expedition in Sichuan, one of China’s most biodiverse provinces. In this 9-day expedition, we travelled to the Tibetan Plateau for some of the rarest and most hardy creatures on the planet. We saw many species in temperatures ranging as low as minus 15C at 4,000 meters in elevation!
From the plateau, we travelled to several of Sichuan’s mountainous regions and explored some of the most spectacular forests and canyons in the country. Most of our effort was in search for Red Pandas which we did find. Along with the cutest and extremely rare Red Pandas, we saw over 30 species of mammals and loads of birds to make the entire experience one that goes down in the annals of mammal-watching as one of best!
The good news for our community is this trip was actually quite easy in terms of travel. Chengdu is a mere threehours from Bangkok and my ticket on Air Asia was only THB 4000 round trip! China is basically similarly priced to Thailand so one does not experience extreme sticker shock. If you are interested in experience some of China’s amazing fauna, please reach out to me – happy to help! (cosm@patana.ac.th)
Coke
GoLf TeaMS ShiNe iN LoCaL aNd iNTerNaTioNaL
Our school golfers have continued their impressive run of form throughout Term 1, achieving notable successes in both local ISGT (International Schools Golf Tournament) events and prestigious international competitions (SEASAC).
LOCAL SUCCESS (ISGT):
The team has maintained their strong presence in the ISGT circuit, securing Team Net victories and multiple individual honours throughout the season. Their consistent performances at these events have showcased the depth of talent within our program. The access to regular competitions has provided our students with the opportunity to refine their skills in pressurized situations, putting into action all their hours of diligent practice. Special mention should go to Dalila T in Year 6 for her results in ISGT and local weekend tournaments, keep up the good work!
DEVELOPMENT TOUR:
In Term 1, we have been able to offer our development golfers more opportunities to play 18 holes on the development tour. This opportunity has been well received by our golfing community, with high numbers entering each tournament. The learning experience for these students will be crucial to their continued progress as BPS Golfers.
SEASAC SILVER SUCCESS:
The highlight of Term 1 saw both our Boys’ and Girls’ teams claiming silver medals at the SEASAC Golf Championships, hosted by KLASS at the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. In this highly competitive 16team tournament, our golfers demonstrated exceptional skill and determination.
The Boys’ team showed remarkable improvement from their previous SEASAC performance, with standout performances from Neil K (+13 – Overall Rank 7) and Tonsol B (+14 – Overall Rank 8). Their second-place finish marks a significant milestone in the program’s development and a clear measure of dedication towards improvement from our young golfers.
BPS Rank 2 – Day 1: 326 - Day 2: 315
Total 641
Our Girls’ team came agonisingly close to defending their SEASAC title, ultimately securing a commendable silver medal, just seven shots behind the eventual winners. Their performance at KLGCC demonstrated why they remain one of the strongest teams in the region. Special mention must go to Shirley Y, our Girls captain, who with +4 won the Girls individual (Rank 1), shooting an incredible 2 under 69 on Day 2 of the competition.
Oliver Blundell, Head of Faculty, Physical Education
Claire L and Shane L also played their part in making sure the girls team were right in the mix of winning the competition until the end.
BPS Rank 2 – Day 1: 157 – Day 2: 147
Total 304
Boys’ SEASAC MVP – Neil K
Girls’ SEASAC MVP – Shirley Y
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL:
One of our current initiatives, in collaboration with the Tom Dingwall Golf Academy is to broaden the reach of our golf programme to more members of our community. On Sunday 1st December, we hosted the first BPS x Tom Dingwall Academy Team Scramble Event at The Vintage Club, this event was attended by Players, Students, Staff and Parents. A great time was had by all. It was fantastic to see so many community members out on the course having fun together. Please look forward to further events coming in Term 2 and 3, 2025.
What is Amnesty
Amnesty
AMNESTY: THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY
BPS is a community engagement club that aims to raise awareness about human rights violations worldwide. We undertake several initiatives each year to spread awareness about these issues. Some key examples include our annual Write for Rights program and our annual human rights debate competition. Students involved with Amnesty have been working relentlessly over the past several years to enlighten the students at Bangkok Patana and raise awareness about the struggles people face outside their community.
In 2022, Amnesty Patana was awarded the “Most Supportive Group” by Amnesty Thailand, a recognition we aim to achieve again in the coming years.
The Refugee Olympic Team
This year, Amnesty Patana decided to showcase its support for the Refugee Olympic and Paralympic teams by spreading information about specific athletes at the Community Engagement Fair. We highlighted the journeys of athletes such as Cindy Ngamba, Amir Ansari, and Alaa
Maso to the Patana community, demonstrating our solidarity with the team and its members.
After viewing some of the social media posts by Amnesty Patana (@amnestypatana), some of the athletes expressed their appreciation for our efforts and thanked us for our support online.
Write for Rights
The highlight for Amnesty every year is the annual Write for Rights campaign. Each year, we focus on three specific case studies of individuals who have faced oppression while fighting for what they believe in. By writing postcards and signing petitions, we show our support, encourage them to continue their fight, and pressure governments to provide the justice they deserve. Our case studies vary greatly, each person having their own individual journey and story.
One case we are focusing on this year is that of Kyung Seok Park from South Korea. Kyung Seok never consid-
Vivaan Sehgal, 11L
ered the challenges faced by people with disabilities until he became one himself. Following an accident in his twenties, he developed paraplegia and now uses a wheelchair. Once active in studying, playing guitar, and socializing with friends, Kyung Seok attempted to rejoin society but quickly discovered that life in South Korea as a person with a disability is not only difficult but sometimes life-threatening.
Undaunted, he began a new life as an activist for the rights of people with disabilities. His activism focuses on public transport, as access to it in South Korea is particularly challenging. People who use wheelchairs have been injured or even killed when using unsafe equipment at stations. Without government funding to improve public transport access, people with disabilities are often cut off from fully participating in public life, including traveling to work or living independently.
Alongside fellow activists from the group Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination, Kyung Seok took part in peaceful protests during commuter hours, demanding increased public funding for the rights of people with disabilities.
Authorities responded with unlawful force, including dragging peaceful protesters out of trains and stations. Seoul Metro also filed multiple punitive lawsuits against the activists, portraying them as a public nuisance. In January 2024, 400 people with disabilities lost their jobs after the Seoul metropolitan government cut all funding for a program that enabled agencies to employ them.
During one protest, Kyung Seok himself was strangled by police and a Seoul Metro employee. Despite facing abuse, lawsuits, and smear campaigns, he continues to fight for justice.
If you wish to learn more about Amnesty’s case studies, please visit: https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/write-for-rights/.
In Conclusion
Amnesty Patana aims to further increase awareness about human rights violations within the school community in the future. We have an extremely diverse student group and welcome any extra support. If you have any questions or wish to write a postcard supporting someone from the case studies, please contact vise27@patana. ac.th or leya@patana.ac.th.
uPdaTe
Exciting Update: Shuttle Bus Service!
Dear Parents and Students,
Starting 17th February 2025 (after the half-term break), our shuttle bus service will be available for all secondary students in Years 7–13. For students in Years 7, 8, and 9, there’s no need to enrol termly—just book and ride!
The booking system will open on 31st January for rides starting 17th February. Stay tuned for details about our new online booking system in next week’s Patana News!
For more information, contact the Transport Office at transport@patana.ac.th.
Phone: +66 (0) 2785 2470 (direct line)
Line Official:
Patana PartiCiPateS!
Achievements from Our Community
Saori Tanaka, Parent
On January 11, 2025, Mizuki Tanaka participated in a special event organised by the Thai government to celebrate Children’s Day. The event, held in Bangkok, brought together children and families from across the country to engage in a variety of activities and festivities.
Adding to her recent accomplishments, Mizuki also secured first place in the K-pop Cover Dance Competition (Super Moon: The Second 2024), held at MBK Center on December 28, 2024.
Congratulations Mizuki!
