4 message from the school Publication information: AD Astra is published four times a year by Ruamrudee International School. The objective of the publication is to report on and communicate happenings at Ruamrudee International School. At least 1,400 copies are printed per issue to send directly to all students and their families. AD Astra is also distributed among our faculty and staff numbering over 500, and mailed to RIS alumni and friends. The RIS family is a large and growing community of international citizens.
ad astra team editor: Sudha Maroli
contributing editors: Tam Fawcett Will Hayman
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Graphics design/layout: Sornchai Pongheamwattana
coordinator: Rajeepan Techapahaphong
Printed by
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T.K. PRINTING CO.,LTD.
ruamrudee international school 6 Ramkhamhaeng 184, Minburi, Bangkok 10510 Tel: +66 (0) 2791 8900 Fax: +66 (0) 2791 8901-2 Website: www.rism.ac.th E-mail: info@rism.ac.th
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chaplain Father Leo Travis from the editor Sudha Maroli Goodbye ms. sudha! ris foundation day ms band & choir Wonder Writers! star Kids discover 2016 el festival de español 2016! Esti Gonzalez Walter Koertge III es recycled statue competition Jennie Thompson ris national merit finalist ris model united nations Sunadda Damrongmanee ris triumphs umKt maths challenge World scholar’s cup Global round 2016 World scholar’s cup Tom Wash ris students receive international film award ris students Photographer association (rsPa) RSPA high school talent show Folk Narongrit class of 2016 a Winning season for ris athletics Gerry Steiert band and drama camp 2016 Shorna Shand artist in residence Shorna Shand legally blonde ris spring musical 2016 Shorna Shand multicultural music and dance Hyesun Chung
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serVice learninG @ris Shirley Gamble red cross club community service Visit at Wat sa Kaew fourth Grade ris students use their head, hands, and heart at suraolumnaiso school, Part ii Lauren Jordan leo service trip to chantaburi Nannaphat Sirison high school career day Meg Saksiriwatekul a Great inaugural Year with unicef Teeraphat Traivanathum Panuvat Chutichetpong Supavee Kanjanakuha habitat for humanity march build trip 9th Grade Peace studies students Visit st.clare aid hospice in lamluka our day at st. claire aid hospice Aika Wiwatwanont high school reef clean up take 2 Methira Saksiriwatekul and Menila Ting halleluia! the Joy of easter and our outstanding seniors’ easter Performance! first Penance and holy communion of 2016 Mary Rose the impact of religion 11: student reflections hs religion retreat 2016 “taking care of our common home” Photos of the day Ad Astra Volume 18 June 2016
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Recognizing 2016 as We Aim for May, 2017.
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he Sixtieth Anniversary of the Founding of Ruamrudee International School in May 2017, should be a real landmark in the history of our school. We have much to prepare for; we have even more to be thankful for. Our goals for the future will be part of our celebration. We thank God for all the people who served in the school, the teachers and their successes; the students and their parents, along with all of the RIS important events since 1957. All should be recognized and celebrated during this coming school year. With faith and confidence we will then march together with a Union of Hearts. Caring and love for people will lead us in thought, as we ask Our Heavenly Father to bless our school on our 60th Anniversary and beyond. We have much to be thankful for. Today, as we go to press for the fourth Edition of the “Ad Astra” of this school year, I wish to make special reference and show my respect for one person who served RIS “To the Stars” for a long period of our history. Mrs. Sudha Maroli, as Editor of the “AD Astra”, has been recognizing people and important events of our school for years. Today it is our privilege to recognize in the “AD ASTRA” Mrs. Sudha Maroli herself ! for she is a special person who has faithfully led the school through glory and trial for tens of years. We have learned that it is her decision to move on into her own private future. We pause today in this edition of the “As Astra” to extend our thanks to her for the “Union of Hearts and Caring” that has been her motivation ever since coming to RIS as a teacher many years ago. As a teacher she had varied responsibilities among the teachers and students. She managed them all so well. Because of her faithfulness to duties and because of her caring heart, she was chosen to be principal of the Middle School in 1996. This was a definite advancement in her career as an administrator, a true opening for her to use her expertise in leadership. Besides being the principal of the Middle School, she had the important duty of interviewing and hiring new teachers for RIS. Perhaps three-fourths of the teachers hired throughout these past twenty or more years were interviewed and recommended to be hired by Mrs. Sudha. Mrs. Sudha has been an important person of RIS and we are grateful. Since the school year of 2011, Mrs. Sudha has been the Deputy Head of School Affairs. Mrs. Sudha now, in the month of June 2016, ends her successful career at RIS in the important position of Deputy Head of School. We honor Mrs. Sudha Maroli for her generous devotion and love for Ruamrudee. I thank you, Mrs.Sudha Maroli, and I pray that your life, extending into the distant future, will be happy, without sickness, and will receive kindness and appreciation wherever you are. Thank you. May God bless you, Mrs. Sudha Maroli !! To recognize a few other important people, I wish also to go back to 1957, the very first days of the History of our school. The Sisters of the Congregation of the Holy Infant Jesus came to Thailand to form a school. How fortunate for us ! These Sisters formed the tradition of love and kindness among the teachers and the students which is our trademark to this day! Love of the children is our first motive at RIS. These Sisters soon went to their own intended school. Now we have Sisters “Daughters of Mary of the Holy Rosary” carrying on the tradition of spreading love and caring. God loves Ruamrudee International School and sends helpers when needed ! We recognize our history and show appreciation to parents, administrators, teachers, employees, students and RIS special events. Therefore, we pray that our faithfulness to Union of Hearts through caring will bring God’s blessings to our School. God bless you. Father Leo Travis C.Ss.R. RIS Catholic Chaplain
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“We are members of a vast cosmic orchestra, in which each living instrument is essential to the complementary and harmonious playing of the whole.” J. Allen Boone Kinship With All Life
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idding farewell to a community, I have loved so well and for so long, is obviously not an easy task. Thirty five years of RIS experience has not curtailed the wonderment I feel each and every day. RIS has taught me to celebrate life, the success stories of others and enhance my sense of compassion towards those who are less fortunate. I am indebted to so many of you for helping me with the growth of my consciousness and in the advancement of my soul. I raised two beautiful children here at RIS. They have been my inward light, the inner voice and my highest prompting in becoming a better person. Working with RIS students has taught me to expect nothing but the very best from the self and from others. Lastly, I want to express the absolute positive regard and admiration I posses for the Redemptorists Fathers. They have silently encouraged me to understand that there is no limitation to the self. They have allowed me to walk towards the direction of my life’s purpose with courage and confidence. When I met them for the very first time, at age 22, my life’s journey felt like being on a rudderless boat. The Fathers from then on recognized my inner potentials, nurtured my talents and made RIS my reality. They believed in me and taught me that giving and loving others lead to a great sense of inner peace. I will carry all of these grateful remembrances with me uninterrupted by time. I bid you all an affectionate farewell and thank you for who you have been to me. As far as I am concerned there will never be a separation between RIS and me. Carpe Diem,
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s. Sudha Maroli began her career at Ruamrudee in 1981, and served RIS in many roles over the next 35 years including teacher, Head of Department, Activities Director, Assistant Principal and Principal. Her ultimate positions were as Deputy Head of School and Head of Faculty Recruitment. It was in these roles that Ms. Sudha became known as the face of RIS, its most passionate ambassador and spirited champion. Her commitment to fostering a global mindset with an international spirit and providing students a world-class education was evident in the time she devoted to the search for consummate professionals who exemplified these characteristics. On a personal level, Ms. Sudha is known for her love of gems. The most valuable in her entire collection is the composite of all the facets of Ms. Sudha herself. Her depth of character, principled and spiritual nature, unwavering empathic concern for human dignity, and championed support of those around her make her a rare jewel of a human being. RIS will miss you, Ms. Sudha. Perhaps we will not truly understand just how much until you are no longer here. You have been RIS’s most ardent advocate in the world of International School education and, for that, we will be forever grateful.
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“Ms. Sudha, you are a very amazing lady and a very friendly person to talk to. You are not just someone I look up to, but you are a role model that I follow everyday in my school. I will miss you a lot.” Michael Denk – HS Freshman
“Prayer Flags are a symbol of bringing hope to our world. They are intended to bring the spirit of peace and harmony. Sudha, you are that symbol here at Ruamrudee International School. Your messages are always about bringing kindness, truth, and integrity into our workplace, but more importantly the world. I am a better person for getting to work alongside your humble nature. May your strength, understanding, devotion, honesty and accomplished spirit be sent out to all the world. Thank you Sudha!” Toni Bousch – ES Principal
“I’m going to miss you, Sudha. You’ve been a great friend and someone I could always rely on for good advice. You have a way with words, both in writing and speaking, that is so admirable, and a real talent. I’ve heard you speak at so many gatherings and performances, and been so awed by what you said and the way you said it! Wishing you lots of love and happiness for your next adventure.” Kim McDonald – ES Music Teacher “Sudha, you are one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. In a very brief time, I have come to appreciate you for your enthusiasm and dedication to do what is best for RIS. I have experienced your loyalty in many different ways and I want to thank you for showing me the way. You have been a friend, a colleague, and a mentor to me, and I thank you for your guidance and kind heart. Your humble and self-giving character is something I can only hope to emulate. I will miss being able to drop into your office whenever I need a “Sudha fix” which, for me, is a conversation about vision or planning a social engagement. I will miss your spirit and your encouragement, but I wish you the very best in your new adventure.” Linda Lund – HS PE Teacher . “Sudha, you were like a second Mom to me and are a consummate caring human being! You loved RIS very much and inspired us to do the same! We love you Sudha!” Walter G. Koertge III – MS Visual Art & Spanish Teacher
“Sudha, it is your passion for RIS that made me choose it over other offers. The way you talked about the school, its students, and the potential to empower informed global leaders as a teacher was inspiring. You don’t just talk about things, you make sure they get done. I love your grit!” Kaitlyn Pettinga – MS Values Teacher& Council Advisor “I am glad to have shared the runway with you for a charitable cause. Enjoy more of life ahead!” Hedda Joy Tady – Tan HS ELD Teacher “Dear Sudha, Thank you for being RIS’s finest ambassador. At my first faculty welcome party twelve years ago you offered me, a nervous newcomer, a seat at your table and a sincere welcome. Over the years, you frequently demonstrated kindness and concern for my family and me. Thank you so much for all you have done for RIS. Best wishes for success and happiness in your future.” Tim Mitchell – Head of Department HS ELD “When I first met you, Sudha, I described you as someone who makes you feel good about the school, and good about yourself. You were very warm, welcoming, and helpful to me in the period between my interview and my arrival, and always gracious when I saw you on campus or at school events. I wish you the very best of luck in your future adventures, and am sending my good thoughts and prayers with you as you embark upon them.” Fiona Murphy – HS English Teacher Ad Astra Volume 18 June 2016
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Throughout my time here, I had the opportunity to get to know you both professionally and socially. You are a unique individual who has worked tirelessly to insure that the school continued to grow, change and flourish. Because of your dedication, you are and always will be embedded into the fabric of the history and culture of RIS. I am certain that our paths will cross again, and I am equally confident that I will never have another “Sudha” in my life – you are truly one of a kind.” Dr. Mel – ES Learning Support Specialist
Ashley Mays - Preschool Teacher “Sudha you are always kind, compassionate and caring toward everybody. You embody the spirit of RIS.” Jafferali Mussa – H.S. Faculty, Peace Studies/World Religions/Philosophy Teacher “Thanks, Sudha, for being a true champion of RIS. Whatever the situation, whether assembly or recruiting fairs, you always forcefully made the case that RIS is a special school. Indeed, it is a special place. And you always stated clearly that it is our fantastic students who make it so wonderful. Thank you so much, Sudha, for hiring me and giving me the opportunity to work in this very special place.” Jeff Gepner – HS History Teacher “I can not imagine RIS without you,Sudha. I have such fond memories of you; not only as a colleague but as a mentor and confidant. You are leaving behind a very deep empty space that will be impossible to fill. I will miss you dearly!” Madeleine Bystrom – Director of Curriculum and Professional Development “When I made the decision to jump back into the international educational system, I had many Skype interviews and offers, but it wasn’t until I ended my Skype interview with you, Sudha, that I was excited and intrigued. I don’t think that I had met anyone quite like you, and knew that if you were a leader at RIS, then I wanted to meet you and join your RIS community.
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“Dear Sudha, you are truly an extraordinary human being. Your mindfulness, genuine kindness, ability to always see the good in people, principled giving spirit, and wise reflective nature have touched me deeply. Ruamrudee is a special place because of your selfless devotion over the past 35 years. You reside in a very special place in my heart and I am honored to call you my dear friend. I will miss you and your graceful presence. With much love and admiration.” Tam Fawcett – School Advancement “Sudha, you have served RIS “To the Stars” for a long period of our history. You are a special person who has faithfully led the school through glory and trial for tens of years. I thank you for the “Union of Hearts and Caring” that has been your motivation ever since coming to RIS as a teacher many years ago. From teacher to principal to Deputy Head of School to Faculty recruiter you managed all your varied responsibilities so well and always did so with faithfulness and a caring heart. You have been an important person of RIS and we are grateful for your generous devotion and love. I thank you, Sudha, and I pray that your life, extending into the distant future, will be happy, without sickness, and will receive kindness and appreciation wherever you are. May God bless you, Mrs. SudhaMaroli !!” Fr. Travis – RIS Catholic Chaplain
Middle School Faculty
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RIS Foundation Day
MS Band & Choir
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Wonder Writers! O
ur entire school is truly full of Wonder Writers! RIS took a day to celebrate its youngest authors, poets, singers, and, of course, writers. PreKG, KG, and Grade 1 students showed off their wonderful writing skills to their parents as well as to RIS faculty, staff, and administrators. The creativity, skill, and passion that was on display was indeed impressive. We thank all Wonder Writers and their teachers for such a great event.
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Star Kids Discover 2016
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El Festival de Español 2016! By Ms. Esti Gonzalez and Mr. Walter Koertge III
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n March 31, all of Señorita Esti and Señor Walter’s HS & MS Spanish classes combined their efforts to bring joy to the RIS community with a grand festival known as “ El Festival de Español 2016!’ in order to bring some cultural diversity into the school.
The event was also linked with the school’s service program with all of the money raised from the sale of food and drinks going to “Sarnelli House”, an orphanage up in Nongkhai run by the Redemptorist priests for children who have HIV/AIDS.
The festival focused on the diversity of the Spanish Language, spoken officially in 21 countries. From España to Guinea Ecuatorial to Guatemala to Chile, Spanish is spoken all over the world! For a few hours, our students listened to Latin rhythms, ate homemade authentic Spanish dishes made by the Spanish classes, and broke piñatas. The result was a colorful mix of food, drinks, songs, and fun learning activities.
A big thank you to all the MS & HS Spanish Jalapeños students, KhunPui, and everyone else behind the scenes who worked so hard to make it a great success. See you again next year!
During the MS and HS lunch breaks, the whole RIS community of teachers, students, parents, and administrators came together. It was a truly wonderful afternoon, allowing our students to have an enjoyable time outside of the classroom.
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“The Spanish festival was a beautiful way of showing other students the Spanish culture and their way of celebrating.” - Natalie Spanish 4 “Each and every Spanish class worked incredibly hard to make this event possible. The highlight of the festival was our own classmate, Tejas, dressed up as Shakira. It was especially meaningful because of the amount of time and effort we put into making our performance fabulous.
In addition to being a great instance of cultural diffusion, the funds raised from the festival go to Sarnelli’s House for kids with AIDS. It’s a win-win situation. Hopefully next year will be just as big of a success.” - Alita Spanish year 4
culture through their food and music. It also gave us good experience working together for something big which will help us in the future in our own jobs. Thank you, RIS, for giving us this opportunity!” - Christy J.Spanish year 2
“The Spanish Festival was the highlight of my Spanish class this year. I had so much fun preparing our dance and it turned out to be a great success. All classes worked really hard; we put in a lot of time and effort to make this succeed. I also really liked the fact that this was for a good cause: all the money we raised went to Sarnelli’s House for kids with AIDS. Overall, it was a great experience and I’m glad that I was a part of it.” - Rohan Spanish year 4
“The Spanish Festival was the highlight of my Spanish class this year. I had so much fun preparing for the dance that we did and it turned out to be a great success. All classes worked really hard; we put in a lot of time and effort to make this work. The food was amazing and I learned a lot about Sangria while making it. Tejas dressing up as Shakira was great fun to watch, and I really like how the money raised went towards helping kids with AIDS..” - Karannio Spanish year 2
“The Spanish Festival was really beautiful and fantastic. I especially liked the effort my class put into it, watching the dances, and making the food. We put in a lot of time and work in this event which turned out to be so magnificent. It was also great for helping others. The festival put our energy and time into a productive activity that truly helped us become better citizens and serve our community. I also liked how we spread Hispanic
“A big round of applause and thank you to Ms. Esti and Mr. Walter for all the hours they put into supporting all their students and encouraging them not just to be to be creative young students, but also caring citizens. Together the MS & HS were able to raise 25,344 baht for the children at Sarnelli House.” - Ms. Shirley Ad Astra Volume 18 June 2016
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ES Recycled Statue Competition By Jennie Thompson
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econd grade students demonstrated their creativity this April in a Recycled Statue Competition. Over 20 students participated by creating art with recycled materials that would normally end up in the garbage. Students reused various household items, from toilet paper rolls to bottle caps. Their designs were thoughtful and creative. Some of the art projects even served a purpose, such as a pencil holder and a photo album.
Throughout the day, students and staff were invited to vote for the best statues. Even Ms. Toni and Mr. Daryl stopped by to pick their favorites! In the end, Ms. Supen and Ms. Jennie were proud of and impressed by all participants and they counted voting chips to determine the winners. Congratulations go to Kitch in 2-1 and Violin in 2-2 for winning the Second Grade Recycled Statue Competition!
RIS National Merit Finalist A
d Astra is proud to highlight the achievements of RIS senior Mikey Hong. This spring, Mikey was selected as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Approximately 1.5 million students take the PSAT every year testing their evidence based reading, writing, language, and math skills. Out of all the students who complete the examination, the top 16,000 scorers are selected as semifinalists. Those semifinalists are whittled down even further through a rigorous application that determines the finalists. Mikey has been at RIS for twelve years and was able to take a break from his busy exam schedule to catch up with Ad Astra. AA: How did you prepare for the PSAT? Mikey: I didn’t really prepare; the material on the PSAT is basically what we learn in school anyway, so I just went in with that knowledge. AA: Describe the moment when you first heard you were a Semifinalist and subsequently a Finalist? Mikey: I was overjoyed!! I treated myself to some celebratory binge eating afterwards. 16
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AA: What does being a National Merit Finalist mean to you? Mikey: To me, being a Finalist is a nice feeling, but I know that, ultimately, National Merit is only a small part of who I am. AA: What are your plans for next year? Mikey: I’ll be attending Emory University as a prospective Neuroscience major. AA: Do you have any advice for other RIS students? Mikey: When you’re applying to college, stuff like National Merit is nice, but it won’t make or break your application. Concentrate on your extracurriculars and overall academics, because those are the things that really matter.
RIS Model United Nations By Sunadda (Smile) Damrongmanee
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IS Model United Nations has concluded our season of conferences that lasted from September until the end of March. In the second semester of the year, RIS Model UN participated in two major events, RISMUN and SEASACMUN. This year we hosted RISMUN XI with delegates from Ruamrudee, Shrewsbury International School, International School Eastern Seaboard, and Thai-Chinese International School. I participated in this conference as the Head Chair of the Security Council alongside my two co-chairs, Ayush and Imm from Grade 10. We had a smaller conference this year, but the debate was still fruitful and enjoyable for our delegates. Our next highlight was SEASACMUN 2016 at Tanglin Trust School in Singapore. SEASACMUN is an international conference that RIS has always attended and this year we took 12 delegates to Singapore. Ploy, our current MUN secretary, and I were accepted as cochairs and this was our first time chairing an international conference.
As this is my third time attending SEASACMUN, I saw a lot of new as well as familiar faces. I also had the chance to meet the youngest delegate in the entire conference who is currently in Grade 7. He has already been to five conferences and it was a pleasure to meet him and the other middle school delegates who are already acing MUN. While in Singapore, we also got to visit the Gardens by the Bay, which was an amazing experience. Although we didn’t cover the whole area, we made it just in time for the light show, which is probably the main highlight of Gardens by the Bay. We also had the opportunity to attend HISMUN at Harrow International School and ISEMUN at International School Eastern Seaboard before we concluded our semester 2 conferences. I look forward to continuing MUN during my senior year when school resumes in August 2016.
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RIS Triumphs UMKT Maths Challenge
Gold Certificate Winners: Back Row (L-toR): Nattawat Luxsuwong Todsatid Teerakapibal Panuvat Chutichetpong Karis Kungsamutr Pat Boonsom Zehuan Wu Phorntha Kungval Jirawatchara Tanthiptham Nucha Powanusorn Napat Sakulsaengprapha
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Middle Row: Dan Chunhavajira SihSin Tsai Nutcha Anurakwongsri Patarapornkan Anantarangsi Papichaya Vongthongsri Yilin Chen Jiratchon Niamtan Kaiyoh Kageyama Mr. Ben Roth
Front Row: Pattarapon Kittisrisawai Jiho In Mami Moriya Pemika Boonyawuttipan Thanpitcha Chinpeerasatian Na-kyum Lee
British Math Olympiad Merit Winner: Nattawat Luxsuwong
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reshmen and sophomores at Ruamrudee International School achieved 25 gold certificates in this year’s UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. Over 3,000 schools from around the world returned scripts for the Intermediate Maths Challenge with the top 7% receiving a gold certificate.
The top RIS score this year was earned by sophomore Nattawat Luxsuwong. His score qualified him to take part in the British Math Olympiad, an honor held for approximately 500 students worldwide. In the final Olympiad competition, his score was high enough to earn him the Olympiad Certificate of Merit.
Many of our students earning a gold certificate qualified for the ‘Pink Kangaroo’ follow-on competition. Thanpitcha Chinpeerasatian, Todsatid Teerakapibal, Panuvat Chutichetpong and Jiratchon Niamtan all received a Certificate of Merit for an outstanding performance on this second competition.
Quote from Mr. Ben Roth (RIS Math Competition Coordinator): “This year we saw a very high number of students earning gold certificates and qualifying for follow-on competitions. Each of the students mentioned can count themselves among the very best and brightest worldwide in mathematics.”
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Pink Kangaroo Merit Certificate:
Best in Grade 9:
Thanpitcha Chinpeerasatian Todsatid Teerakapibal
Na-kyum Lee Nucha Powanusorn
Panuvat Chutichetpong Jiratcho Niamtan
WORLD SCHOLAR’S CUP GLOBAL ROUND 2016 JUNIOR TEAMS Kanapol Glinpu Pathid Liamtrakoolpanich Kritin Vongthongsri Tanyanij Lerthirunvibul Passara Chanchotisatien Panawee Sakulwannadee
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he World Scholar’s Cup team is preparing for the Global Round coming up in Bangkok at the Bangkok Convention Center at Central World on June 25 th – June 30 th. After all teams qualified for the Global Round at our Regional Round in March, we are now looking forward to competing and participating with an expected 3000 scholars from 40 countries.
The students are working hard to prepare themselves so they can represent the school and themselves to the best of their ability. We have 2 Junior teams and 6 Senior teams going to the Global Round for a total of 24 students. The students will be accompanied by advisors Mr. Tom Wash and Mr. Robert Golding.
SENIOR TEAMS Prima Suntornwipart Jirawatchara Tanthiptham Nattawat Luxsuwong Ravipa Burapachaisri Krittanat Nalamlieng Pornruthai Laosirihongthong Korranit Khomin Zehuan Wu Sirapat Phunjamaneechot Nacha Rapeerattanakul Sirasorn Tichachol Tejas Pal Ayush Sehgal Rohan Nakra Karis Kungsamutr Pusint Liamtrakoolpanich Panuvat Chutichetpong Dan Chunhavajira
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World Scholar’s Cup By Tom Wash
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he World Scholar’s Cup team from RIS competed in the Regional Bangkok Round at Bromsgrove on March 19 and 20. 29 scholars from our Middle School and High School (grades 6-11) participated and were accompanied by Mr. Robert Golding, Ms Judith Byrum, and Mr. Tom Wash. It was an intense yet fun two days of competition and activities. All RIS teams have qualified for the Global Round in June.w Top scholars for RIS were Pathid Liamtrakoolpanich in the Junior Division and Ravipa Burapachaisri in the Senior Division.
Highlights include: Ravipa Burapachaisri 2nd place individual overall score and selected as top 8 debaters in the Debate Showcase Pusint Liamtrakoolpanich, Panuvat Chutichetpong and Dan Chunhavajira 2nd place team score for Scholar’s Bowl Jirawatchara Tantheeptham individual Senior Challenge Champion for science
Advisors/Adjudicators: Mr. Tom Wash / Ms Judith Byrum
Chaperone/Adjudicator: Mr. Robert Golding
Grade 6 Tanyanij (MiuMiu) Lerthirunvibul DaVinci Award for Overall Score Passara (Ink) Chanchotisatien Individual Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Alanah Adney DaVinci Award for Overall Score 20
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Grade 8 Pimlapus (Pim) Tanpisuth Individual Silver Medal for Overall Score Sanurak (Titan) Natnithikarat Individual Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Fabiha Siddiquey Individual Silver Medal for Debate Individual Silver Medal for Overall Score Kanapol (Pung-Pond) Glinpu Team Silver Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Individual Gold Medal for Social Studies Individual Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Individual Silver Medal for Overall Score Kritin (Bomb) Vongthongsri Team Silver Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Individual Gold Medal for Literature Pathid (Pat) Liamtrakoolpanich School Top Scholar Junior Division Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Team Silver Medal for Scholars Challenge Individual Silver Medal for Debate Individual Silver Medal for Overall Score Kritanut (Toey) Nilpakdee DaVinci Award for Overall Score Punyamon (Pan) Sanghirun DaVinci Award for Overall Score Jinjutha (Eve) Liangwatthanakol Individual Silver Medal for Debate
Grade 9 Prima Suntornwipart Team 5th Place Gold Medal for Scholars Bowl Individual Gold Medal for Literature Jirawatchara (Alex) Tantheeptham Team 5th Place Gold Medal for Scholars Bowl Individual Senior Challenge Champion for Science Individual Silver Medal for Challenge Total Score Individual Silver Medal for Overall Score Zehuan (Jackie) Wu Team Silver Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Overall Score
Individual Silver Medal for Social Studies Individual Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Individual Silver Medal for Crime and Justice Individual Silver Medal for Overall Score Korranit (Air) Khomin Team Silver Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Individual Silver Medal for Overall Score Sirapat (Poom) Phunjamaneechot Team Silver Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Overall Score
Grade 10 Nacha Rapeerattanakul Team 4th Place Gold Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Scholars Bowl Team Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Individual Gold Medal for Arts Individual Silver Medal for Overall Score Sirasorn (Pun) Tichachol Team 4th Place Gold Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Scholars Bowl Team Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Individual Gold Medal for Arts Individual Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Individual Silver Medal for Overall Score Tejas Pal Team 4th Place Gold Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Scholars Bowl Team Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Ayush Sehgal Team 4th Place Gold Medal for Scholars Bowl Team Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Team Silver Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Rohan Nakra Team 4th Place Gold Medal for Scholars Bowl Team Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Team Silver Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Individual Silver Medal for Debate Individual Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Individual Silver Medal for Crime and Justice Individual Silver Medal for Overall Score
Karis (Kay) Kungsamutr Team 4th Place Gold Medal for Scholars Bowl Team Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Team Silver Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Individual Silver Medal for Crime and Justice Pusint (Poom) Liamtrakoolpanich Team 2nd Place Trophy for Scholars Bowl Team Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Team Silver Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Individual Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Individual Silver Medal for Overall Score Panuvat (Todd) Chutichetpong Team 2nd Place Trophy for Scholars Bowl Team Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Team Silver Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Individual Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Individual Silver Medal for Crime and Justice Dan Chunhavajira Team 2nd Place Trophy for Scholars Bowl Team Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Team Silver Medal for Scholars Challenge Team Silver Medal for Overall Score
Grade 11 Ravipa (Amp) Burapachaisri Individual 2nd Place Trophy for Overall Score School Top Scholar Senior Division Top Debater selection for Debate Showcase Team 4th Place Gold Medal for Debate Team Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Individual 4th Place Gold Medal for Debate Individual 7th Place Gold Medal for Collaborative Writing Individual Gold Medal for History Individual Silver Medal for Social Studies Krittanat (Ford) Nalamlieng Team 4th Place Gold Medal for Debate Team Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Individual Silver Medal for Debate Individual Silver Medal for Overall Score Pornruthai (Bao Bao) Laosirihongthong Team 4th Place Gold Medal for Debate Team Silver Medal for Collaborative Writing Team Silver Medal for Overall Score Ad Astra Volume 18 June 2016
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RIS Students Receive International Film Award
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ongratulations to our HS Visual Arts students for earning Honorable Mention in the Educational category for the CTLPDX International Film Festival: Earth Day in Portland, Oregon. Our students created four films and “Rescue Me” was honored during the festival. In collaboration with Lara Jacoski and Patrick Belem of Bem-te vi Produções, our students created four films about the excessive use of plastic in our society. Written, directed, filmed, and produced by RIS students, we appreciate Lara and Patrick’s invaluable guidance throughout the project. With the goal of raising awareness about our plastic consumption, our students challenged peers, teachers, and administrators to live a day without plastic. Though this may seem like a simple task, the test subjects quickly discovered that plastic practically covers every aspect of their lives. The judges were so impressed by the documentary that they are going to try and live a day without plastic themselves. The project taught our students about conservation, art, and using their skills and passions to help make the world and RIS a better place. Well done to all our students for their fantastic documentary!
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To watch these poignant documentaries, click the following links: “Rescue Me” https://vimeo.com/129135835 “If I Weren’t Me” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QPpZ-yB6Y8 “I Am Forever” https://vimeo.com/129134339 “Plastic Hero” https://vimeo.com/130194676
RIS Students Photographer Association (RSPA) By RSPA
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High School Talent Show By Folk Narongrit
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he 2016 HS Talent Show on March 10 was a successful event with over 25 auditioned groups. From singing and dancing to instrumentals, performers spent countless hours practicing and perfecting their pieces. From hip-hop dancing to a face melting guitar solo and a funny “Let it Go� rendition, the audience was entertained and engaged throughout the show. Thank you to all performers and backstage crew for putting in all your hard work! Looking forward to everyone performing again next year.
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Agarwal, Nikhar Asavamongkolkul, Napat Asavasatitporn, Pimchanok Bhattacharya, Saptarshi Bjorkner, Laksika Boon-itt, Teerute Boonorm, Nana Chaikrongkit, Sorawich Chalanuchpong, Alina Chaotakoongite, Phillipe Charassangsomboon, Varissara Cheepsongsuk, Supattana Chien, Yi-Hsuan Chopproh, Thipparat Chuasiriphattana, Nattakitta Curran, Christopher Datta, Anantathep Deng, Yung-Hsin 26
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Dorji Tshering, Kinley Dorji, Bleu Enmak, Nattiya Esharoe, Napassorn Gangwal, Ayushi Giamminola, Giorgio Hayashi, Erika Herabat, Lapol Hochreutener, Angela Hong, Metha Hou, Chun-Han James Chandrajith, Toni Abishek Jang, Hye Won Jema, Sikkharin Jetjirawat, Suwat Jiratanasophin, Ruechupa Joo, Jun Min
Kanchanatuppa, Nubthong Kangval, Kawin Kanjanamahakul, Kan Kewalramani, Khushil Khantahiran, Nathawit Kornniti, Sukvasa Krisralam, Natta Kritsanaviparkporn, Chawan Kruamool, Chayaphol Kulkeatdech, Proychaya Kunapinun, Sirikorn Kuramoto, Rei Lee, Hyun Kyung Lertchurushan, Napassorn Lerthirunvibul, Nichapa Lertsakuncharoen, Pichamon Lim, Kanchanisa Limvipuwat, Waratchaya
Lin, Ratima Lomthampinij, Anchidtha Luengvitchajaroen, Varis Madritsch, Chamadorn Mahankarat, Jinjutha Mitchell, Malcolm Mitsumpune, Panisa Moriya, Akira Mya, Aye Aye Mya Nantavaropas, Nitipat Narongrit, Warapong Narukatpichai, Monthon Nawachartkosit, Yanin Nisapakultorn, Nitiwat Niyomsith, Chayanis Ojha, Shivani Ouitayakul, Kasidit Pantarasutra, Tat
Phaichokchai, Kasidis Phopiboonsuk, Sethapun Piriyathananukul, Kittiphot Pitaksuteephong, Sarun Pittayathikhun, Supasita Podlas, Joshua Chidchanok Poenateetai, Nannalin Poolvoralaks, Voralerk Prateepmongkol, Sirasit Pratuangnoppakun, Nuttakit Purnama, Annisa Shana Riangkrul, Songlarb Rongwaree, Nattida Roongroj, Tonnatee Saksiriwatekul, Methira Samutsakorn, Jiratchaya Sangaphunchai, Phoomphut Sangkakit, Lalida
Sanitsom, Anantathep Sapsuwan, Patsorn Saravat, Shashank Sathiraboot, Tanawan Saubhayana, Tim Sawasvej, Thapanat Seneesirikul, Piyapon Nathaniel Siddiquey, Rafeed Sidtivech, Pannathon Singh, Shubham Singhanont, Pawarit Sirison, Nannaphat Sompolpong, Paoleena Srifah, Kanyarat Srivanich, Pataipat Sudayuworn, Thitisa Suksathaporn, Thawin Sumetpong, Natasha
Suthanapun, Sorrathorn Taechanuruk, Nuthiya Tangpanchasil, Pichaya Tanjittasuvan, Ravisada Tanthiptham, Kanokpon Teerarochanapong, Patcharaporn Thaitrakulpanich, Krittin Thaveeapiradeesak, Wantanee Thompson, Rittichart Thongcheum, Sorawish Ting, Menila Tongprasroeth, Chitpavin Tosomsakul, Ch-non Udomthaveedej, Chat Unakul, Praewpetch Vaidya, Manasi Kiran Valluvan, Aparna Valluvan, Ashwin
Veerathummnoon, Pisinee Vongjamcharoen, Kasem Vongsayan, Bhathorn Worachat, Napol Wu, Lingyi Yamamoto, Apissayakon Yangsunit, Kanruetai Yangsunit, Kantri Youngsurakan, Nijjaporn Yu, Chia-cheng Yusuksataporn, Pongthon
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A Winning Season for RIS Athletics By Gerry Steiert, Athletics Director
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eason 3 Sports Recognition Assembly in Godbout Hall featured our final show for the school year and my final presentation as Athletic Director. After 5 enjoyable and successful years, I am so thankful for the students, parents, coaches, and administrators who have been extremely involved and supportive of our highly competitive sports program.
Season 3 BISAC & SEASAC Results:
On March 5th, RIS held the Phoenix invitational and welcomed 6 male teams and 6 female teams to our campus. RIS men and women finished with bronze medals. That same weekend, RIS hosted 4 schools for a varsity badminton tournament. RIS entertained 2 JV teams as well. RIS varsity boys and girls both won their respective tournaments.
Softball
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Volleyball • U15 Girls – Komson Penpoo Gold
Badminton • JV Girls – Janjira “Joei” Khaosa-ard Bronze • JV Boys – Praphoj Unpudsa Gold • Varsity Boys - Joey Scott SEASAC Silver; BISAC Gold • Varsity Girls – April Slagle BISAC Gold • Varsity Boys – Dominick Bruso BISAC Silver
Golf • Boys & Girls – Joseph Scott & Walter Koertge SEASAC Gold • Boys BISAC Bronze
The Ruamrudee coaching staff once again enjoyed our year end social at El Sabor where we had the opportunity to meet incoming Athletic Director Todd Parham. It has been my pleasure to serve the Ruamrudee International School community through my involvement in local BISAC events as well as international SEASAC opportunities. Please take a moment to enjoy the BISAC & SEASAC championship banners on the Wall of Fame in Phoenix Hall, which we developed during my 2nd year at RIS. Quite a talented bunch of athletes! The PA has a wonderful display in Godbout Hall which is also a tribute to our students and to the spirit of Ruamrudee. I would like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes: “Individual commitment to a group effort; that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.� ~ Vince Lombardi Ad Astra Volume 18 June 2016
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Band and Drama Camp 2016 By Shorna Shand
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S Drama and Band Camp wrapped up with Drama students working closely with their visiting artist, Mark Hill, who helped them prepare for their physical theatre performance, Band students, lead by Dr Kimberly Endel, worked vigorously in preparation for their final concert in the PAC. Camp was filled with the sharing of creativity and talent by all involved including a Radio Broadcasting workshop run by Ms. Emily Bevington and a surprise mimed performance by Dr. Clare McDermont and Mr. Olivier. It was a great opportunity to share and stretch students’ potential off campus during a fun filled few days!
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Artist in Residence
By Shorna Shand
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his year’s RIS Artist in Residence was Mr Mark Hill. Alongside an array of experience as an AiR, for the past 15 years Mark has been travelling across the world working as a director, an actor and a workshop leader demonstrating and discussing different forms of performance art with a range of students and teachers alike. Mr Hill worked with all three sections, in particular the MS Drama students at the Drama and Band Camp to explore a range of art practitioners, theories and drama techniques, producing work which is innovative and exciting! We have had a wonderful time with Mr Hill and hope he can join us again in the future!
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Legally Blonde RIS Spring Musical 2016 Director By Shorna Shand
his year’s musical was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and excitement as over 35 cast members took to the Performing Arts Center stage for four fun-filled performances of Legally Blonde on March 15th & 16th. The cast members’ voices harmonized with the live music performed by this year’s wonderful orchestra. We followed Elle Woods through her journey of hope, courage, and strength as she strived for more in love and in life.
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Congratulations to all our students who made the musical magical. From the cast to the instrumentalists and the stagehands to the student technicians, everyone was fantastic. A special thank you to Ms. Michele Royhans, Dr. Kimberley Endel, Ms. Becky Bruso, Kathrya Ritter, and Nana Boonorm for their dedication, support, and guidance throughout the rehearsal process and final performance days. And a final thank you to everyone who supported the show including administration, the parents auxiliary, Shirley Gamble, RIS staff, technicians, and maintenance; without you all there is no show. 32
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Reflection from the cast: Legally Blonde was an amazing experience, mainly because I was able to make new friends, have a lot of fun, and do what I love. I do admit it was a little scary at first. Since I’ve never actually been in a full musical like this one, I definitely didn’t expect to get the main role. I was a little worried! But when rehearsals began, I started to get into it and everything just sort of settled. All the cast even started becoming their characters over the months. It was truly an enjoyable experience, and if given the chance, I would most definitely do it again. - Asta Balakauskas (Elle Woods) I played as Grandmaster Chad who raps and dances, two things I struggled with. What I loved about this production was not just performing and make new friends, but it taught me how to be true to myself and everyone around me. When I was nervous, I thought about something a tenth grader told me, “We live with the sole purpose of having fun so make everything
count.” With this in mind, I joyfully practiced my role as Grandmaster Chad and I think I did pretty great on the stage. Legally Blonde was a great opportunity for people to shine even if it’s just for five minutes on stage. It’s worth it! - Chakorn (Jumbo) Charnchainarong (Grandmaster Chad) Legally Blonde was another BLASTING musical! Legally Blonde was my third musical at RIS. Similar to the past musicals, this musical required A LOT of practice and rehearsing and dancing and singing and acting. To be honest I didn’t know if we could make it on time, but we did! Just as every show has ended, I had a feeling of satisfaction, but at the same time I started to miss the show. As the show progressed, I could feel that all the hard work we put in payed off and we were able to present a great show with laughter, love and music. It was my pleasure to be in this musical! Now.. 3, 2, 1 “OMIGOSH!” - Manaka Saito (Margot)
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Multicultural Music and Dance Directed By Ms. Hyesun Chung
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e live in such a diverse world with many different cultures and traditions. Music is a great way to compare and contrast the many unique cultures in our world. Music is something that all cultures share but enjoy in very different ways. To recognize the beauty of different cultures around the world, Ms. Hyesun Chung created “Multicultural Music and Dance.� Under her direction, the RIS Stage Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra, in collaboration with the Modern Languages Department, created a show that took us on a unique journey that was the first of its kind at RIS. We give special thanks to Ms. Beatrice Sirinuntananon and the other language teachers for their help and efforts. The performance showcased not only the talent of the students, but also the essence of our community exemplified through music from cultures around the world. Thai, Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish, and
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Korean music were all on display during the concert. Every modern language class was featured, with students singing, dancing, or both. The orchestra members spent months practicing late after school, during their lunch break, and sometimes on weekends. Everyone from the teachers, to the students, to the PAC, and janitorial staffs worked extremely hard to bring this 60-minute show to life. After the curtains closed, everyone was filled with joy and cheer as all the hard work had paid off. The show was a great experience for the audience and everyone involved in the show. It was a success because it brought together the many cultures at RIS as well as the various classes which would normally not have the chance to collaborate. This truly was a celebration of teamwork and of the diversity of cultures at our school.
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SERVICE LEARNING @RIS By Shirley Gamble, Service Learning Coordinator
“RISing” coffee project
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lthough the high school was getting ready to study for their exams towards the end of the 4th quarter, many wonderful service learning projects still took place over the past 2 months. I hope you enjoy the many articles also handed in by various students in this last issue. The MS Student Council, in collaboration with NIST and KIS, is organizing and running a fair trade coffee enterprise here at RIS. Congratulations to Alita (gr 10), as the logo winner for the school’s new “RISing” coffee project. All money raised from sales will go towards supporting the local coffee farmers up north. They will have their first sample sales on May 18th for faculty and parents.
This will be a long term project where students will be applying 2 of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and learning how to implement Action Planning to make it a successful service learning project.
Japan Earthquake Relief Kumamoto Prefecture Association in Thailand in order to help raise awareness at school, their parent’s work places, and their Moobans to help raise donations for those in need that were affected in that area. “I have relatives that live near the place where the earthquake struck and it is my home country, so I would like to help as much as I can.” – Manaka
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fter the 2 major earthquakes hit the Kyushu Region in Japan this past April, 2 of our high school students, Manaka Saito and Noopim Pongtornpipat, immediately spent a few weeks coordinating with the Japanese Red Cross and
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“I would like to thank all of you who were so supportive, especially the Class of 2019, who made it possible for us to donate a total of 60,000 baht on behalf of RIS. – Noopim
Giving is Receiving @ Camillian Home
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n both March 18th and April 1st a total of 18 students were able to spend half a day visiting the disabled children at Camillian Home in Ladkrabang. On the first trip they were given a tour of the facilities to learn all about the children and their daily schedule includes physical therapy and various activities that allow them to be creative and to express themselves such as simple cooking or art. “Several of the children there showed us how to cut wooden pieces of animals, sand them down, paint them, and turn them into keychains, while another group showed us how they hand painted mugs and canvasses as part of their art therapy. When we tried it with them, it was great fun to see that we were actually not as good as some of them!” – Shasha
On the second trip, it was all about playing some modified games with all of the children together, helping serve lunch, washing the dishes and cleaning up their eating area.We sponsored their lunch that day and added a special treat of ice-cream for them to enjoy. During our first trip they explained they were opening their new Art Therapy room soon and we were happy to bring them paint and art paper on our second visit. “Once of the activities we played was a modified game of musical chairs; since many of them could not walk, we passed around a bottle of powder instead. It was wonderful to observe so many smiling faces as they waitied to see who would have to get powder put on their faces when the music stopped. In order to have more time with them in the afternoon, we were happy to all help out in the kitchen during lunch.” – Jun Min
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Dishing up Noodles and More @ Fr. Ray Children’s Village
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n April 23rd, 20 HS and 2 MS students spent the day visiting Fr. Ray Children’s Village in Pattaya. The children quickly ran up to choose who would be their buddy and were excited to introduce themselves and show us their homes and bedrooms. “A little girl named Pang chose me and was holding my hand the whole time, she wouldn’t let me go. That is when I realized how special it was for them to get visitors.” - Debbie We hired a noodle and ice-cream vendor to bring their food carts in to provide lunch for the all the children and it was great fun to see our students help prepare 100 bowls of “Yen ta Foh” noodles and help scoop out coconut ice-cream for them. “I was impressed to see every kid line up patiently for their turn to pick which type of noodles they wanted… that doesn’t happen much in our canteen with our friends trying to cut in line all the time!” - Flint Later on we did several activities together and they even challenged us to a dance competition! ES had raised enough money for art supply donations for them each semester so we were able to bring their 2nd delivery that day.
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“When we were paired up, we drew pictures of each other and it was amazing to see how many of them had a talent for drawing and coloring. The whole day was an unforgettable experience for me and I really learned to appreciate what I have such as loving parents and a good education and not take it for granted anymore.” - KK
Red Cross Club Community Service Visit at Wat Sa Kaew
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he Red Cross Club made its annual community service trip to Wat Sa Kaew in Angthong province to make donations and work with the orphans at the temple. The visit was filled with interactive and educational activities that brought laughter and smiles to not only the young ones at the temple, but also to the Red Cross Club members. A few of the members shared their experiences: I really enjoyed getting to meet the girls and play games with them. Even though there was a language barrier that didn’t allow me to communicate with them as much as I would’ve liked to, I thought it was really great to just bring a little joy in their lives. The most memorable moment for me was when I managed to connect with one of the girls, who sort of separated herself from the rest of her peers. I tried speaking to her in broken Thai, which she was surprisingly able to understand. The only part of the trip I was disappointed with is how we spent such little time with the orphans. I wish it would’ve been longer! - Alita Anil, Class of 2018 The trip was very enjoyable because it was my first school trip going to the temple and interacting with the people there. I liked the last part of the trip because it turned out to be very religious and calming. Listening
to the monk really calmed my mind and changed my thoughts so it was worth the trip. The kids were really cute and interactive, and they seemed to enjoy the trip very much. - Fae Suthidara, Class of 2018 The trip to Wat Sa Kaew was very memorable. I was able to interact with new kids who have a different life and a different perspective than mine. By just seeing those wonderful kids, not only did I have fun but also I learned a lot too. I learned how lucky I am to be born into a family full of love and care from my parents. I learned that I should be very thankful to my parents and honor them as much as I can. I felt very happy when I saw the kids’ smiling faces as we played games and gave them candies. To me, the people who received the most from this trip were us, the people who gave. - Mill Dhiranusornkit, Class of 2018 Being a freshman, this was my first club field trip. I enjoyed being able to socialize and play with kids while seeing their smiles after receiving candy. I felt like it was a memorable trip that showed me the undefinable greatness of being able to help kids who are not as lucky as us. I decided to go on this trip to give children an enjoyable memory, that will hopefully last until they grow up. - Air Khomin, Class of 2019 Ad Astra Volume 18 June 2016
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Fourth Grade RIS Students Use Their Head, Hands, and Heart at Suraolumnaiso School, Part II By Lauren Jordan
“Community service is much more rewarding when you actually do something. This all started from an idea!” - Pranai, Grade 4 RIS’s fourth grade students have engaged in service based learning through our partnership with Suraolumnaiso School. As highlighted in the last Ad Astra, our students have been involved in a transdisciplinary learning experience. Our goal was to complete a project that would support the sustainability of Suraolumnaiso’s school community. Using the Compass Education Model, we created a variety of useful proposals. After a thorough review of the students’ plans, the Suraolumnaiso administration announced they would support RIS’s student-creation of a “Kids’ Club”-a student community center. The proposal stated, “Kids’ Club will be a resource rich place where both Suraolumnaiso students and Ruamrudee students can go to play games, make art, read, and make new friends.” Suraolumnaiso supported our students’ efforts by providing us with an empty room at their school. The rest was left up to us. Students prepared for this massive task through relevant in-class writing assignments, digital collaboration and reflection, community outreach, and strategic planning of long and short term goals.
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In the classroom, students wrote informational papers outlining what the “Kids’ Club” would be and persuasive papers discussing why this would be a cause others should support. They also wrote and presented speeches to all three RIS sections and to the administration informing the Ruamrudee community about our project.
HEAD: “I learned that we don’t only get things from other people, but we also give stuff. I also learned that kids can not only plan things, but kids can also make things happen!” - Seya, Grade 4 In this project I learned about community service and the benefit of setting goals and accomplishing them. - Ball, Grade 4
HANDS: When I was building Kids’ Club, I felt what it’s like to accomplish a goal. We need very high cooperating skills. It also taught me that when you want to accomplish something, you have to try very hard. I also got to work with a lot of friends. I think it’s good to work with different people. - Phoom, Grade 4 The support from Ruamrudee’s community was phenomenal! From the beginning of our project, our students were clearly determined to make it a success. We created donation boxes where art supplies, sports equipment, toys, board games, and books could be collected. More than 1000 books were donated and the fourth graders categorized the books by difficulty and language, color coded them, labeled them, and created a library that would be stored at Kids’ Club. After an inventory was taken of the items donated, the students identified additional needed resources. They reached out to their parents, who were incredibly generous with supplies, materials, and time. With tangibles collected, it was time for our fourth graders to roll up their sleeves and go to work! Four half-day trips were taken to Suraolumnaiso School. During these visits, the students cleaned, painted the walls, created wall murals, moved in all donated items, and organized the space.
HEART: The heart that went into this project and the impact it had on all our 9 and 10 year old students was evident. These are just a few of the quotes expressing how our students felt about their experiences: “This community service has been special because it’s from my heart. What I mean is, I really want to do this, and I don’t want anything back.” - Benz, Grade 4
“In this project, I learned tons and tons of stuff! I learned how to not only have, but to give. I learned that helping others can also help us by making us happy.” - Tara, Grade 4 “During the steps of the Kids’ Club, I learned that even though we, 4-1 and 4-2, are just kids we can make a big difference in the club. We’ve been through a lot. Painting, planning, cleaning, and after all that I’ve discovered that we can really do anything if we work together! I’ve also learned that community service is very important because when we do it, it does not only make others happy, but it also makes us happy.” - Nisha, Grade 4 The “heart” component of this project was also clear when our students thanked their parents for the support they provided. Fourth grader Ing Ing conveyed our gratitude beautifully when she wrote, “Thank you for your help getting those carpets, crayons, and pillows. Thank you for helping make this community service, “Kids‘ Club”. Yesterday we were like Santa Claus making the room clean and putting objects in there. Thank you for your help.” During the second week of May, students from Suraolumnaiso School will return from their summer break. Our RIS 4th graders are eagerly anticipating their return and the official ribbon cutting ceremony of “Kids’ Club”. We are looking forward to seeing the reactions of our new friends, and to building community through our ongoing participation in the “Kids’ Club”. It is obvious the creation of the “Kid’s Club” is only the beginning! “In the future I will go there and bring my friends and teach them English--I hope!” - Elle, Grade 4 Ad Astra Volume 18 June 2016
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LEO Service Trip to Chantaburi By Nannaphat (Eye) Sirison
uring the first weekend of April, LEO club embarked on a service trip to Chantaburi, taking along 36 students and 4 teachers. The purpose of the trip was to allow club members to perform service activities that were made possible by the money the club fundraised throughout the school year. In total, the club visited three different service sites over three days.
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Baan Khaogaewwittaya Baan Khaogaewwittaya is a school that lies in the outskirts of Chantaburi where students helped the school construct lunch tables and chairs bought using the money donated by the LEO club. “Its an amazing feeling, knowing that the tables and chairs will be useful to them in everyday life” – Ruechapa J.
Baan Nam Daeng Police School Our revisit to this police school proved to be as fun and memorable as last year’s visit, Baan Nam Daeng is a school that practices self-sustainability and encourages its students to be environmentally aware. Thus, we had the opportunity to aid the school in one of its efforts to reserve and maintain its environment; the LEO club along with students from the school helped each other release prawns back into the environment. The experience was definitely memorable, and students from both schools definitely had fun releasing the prawns. Students also had a lot of fun playing games and folding origami together. “The children’s excitement was contagious, making for a lively and fun environment for both them and us” – Namfon M.
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“I felt energized and was no longer tired from all the work when I saw the smiles on the children’s faces when we played games with them” – Rose S.
Sirinthorn Child Center The last location LEO club visited was the Sirinthorn Child Center. Here we treated kids to ice-cream and bought colored paint to help renovate the center’s garden and fences. With the help of all of us, within a few hours, the fences turned rainbow and the child center was completely transformed. “Painting has always been fun and knowing that we’re creating a better surrounding for the children there made it feel even more amazing” – Singrhu P.
Despite the long bus rides and the tiring activities students did in the hot Thai sun, all in all, both the students and teachers endured and worked hard to help make this trip a great success!
High School Career Day By Meg Saksiriwatekul
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ne very simple yet daunting question many students face upon entering high school is “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It was easy for us to answer this question as little elementary kids. Many of us wanted to be astronauts while others wanted to be firefighters. However, as high school students, we realize that the stakes are much higher and that we should start planning for the future. What better way to spark students’ interests in potential occupations than a Career Day? Hence, High School Student Council and the Counseling Office teamed up to host a Career Day on March 22nd. We were very fortunate to have enthusiastic parents from all sections volunteer to be guest speakers.
The occupations consisted of a musician, doctor, businessman, financial manager, journalist, lawyer, pilot, public relations administrator, game designer, engineer, and model. All speakers were greeted with a group of eager students who voluntarily signed up to attend the event. High School Student Council would also like to express our gratitude to the Parent Auxiliary for providing refreshments and snacks throughout the entire day. All in all, High School Career Day was an event that demanded cooperation between many parties, and it turned out to be a successful one because of our supportive RIS community. Ad Astra Volume 18 June 2016
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A Great Inaugural Year with UNICEF By Teeraphat (Best) Traivanathum, Panuvat (Todd) Chutichetpong and Supavee (Sandy) Kanjanakuha
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his was the inaugural year of the RIS UNICEF Committee. Our committee aims to help make small differences to help future generations through education and fundraising for UNICEF Thailand. The three major projects we did throughout the year were a great step toward our goal of providing education to children across Bangkok and across Thailand. The three projects that were in collaboration with UNICEF Thailand, Library Xpress, and TDC English Camp.
Representing Ruamrudee at UNICEF Thailand Our committee works with UNICEF Thailand to solve issues concerning children living in poverty in Thailand. As a representative of the RIS UNICEF Committee, we were able to attend the UNICEF conference on March 17th. The meeting not only made me more aware of the immediate issues regarding children in poverty, but it also helped inspire new ideas that I would like to integrate into our committee. During the meeting there were many adult representatives from big Thai organizations like Sansiri and AIS who are looking to help children. Many of these organizations work with children on the border of Thailand who lack proper education and educational supplies. In the future, the RIS UNICEF Committee looks forward to cooperating and expanding our purpose and goals in order to help children in Bangkok and beyond.
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Library Xpress As a committee, we researched all the projects completed by UNICEF Thailand. One project that stood out was the mobile libraries that travel to remote villages in Mae Hong Son. Each mobile library carries about 1,300 books with an animator to make reading for children more engaging. The committee took the idea of a mobile library and created our own version. The LX or the Library Xpress is the first mobile library at Ruamrudee. LX also stands for 60 in Roman numerals, an honor to Ruamrudee International School’s 60th Anniversary. The project already has a collection of about 350 to 400 books. The committee set up shelves inside the van and presented the LX during the school assembly on May 13th. Our first launch was on May 17th, RIS’s Foundation Day, to a local daycare center. The van hopefully can become a great resource and tool for any club, committee, or project to use for any their activities within the local area.
TDC English Program The TDC English Program is a four day, two weekend course that has been held by Ruamrudee International School for the past two years. Children of military parents are encouraged to participate in this program. This year, RIS UNICEF was honored to oversee all the curriculum and activities for the course. Having a wide range of students from grades 1 to 12, the job of designing activities was quite difficult. The students were separated into 6 classes according to their age range. The lesson plans were also separated into three levels. Level A and B gave the students the overview of the topics on countries, numbers, colors, family, and directions. Students were taught vocabulary related to the topics given, as well as fun activities to reinforce the lessons. As for level C, the oldest group of students was taught the basic structure of a story using Freytag’s pyramid. The students made their own play using the pyramid as an outline and later acted it out. They also analyzed a short Pixar animation using the pyramid
with proper labeling and identification. The project was a success with more than 100 students participating. Every RIS member volunteered their time and weekend to the project which was very moving and much appreciated. Next year, the program will be passed on to Harrow International School and we wish them all the best. Hopefully RIS will have this opportunity again in the near future! Throughout the year, running this committee was challenging. Despite the obstacles, it was all worth it. I feel like I have grown as a person. I’ve learned how to communicate my ideas, cooperate, and be patient with my peers. RIS UNICEF has not just successfully made small differences to children outside the RIS community, but also made small differences to children within the RIS community as well.
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Habitat for Humanity March Build Trip Sweat in our eyes, a family on our minds.
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n March 5th and 6th, 24 members of the Habitat for Humanity Club travelled to Ayutthaya determined to have fun while improving the life of one deserving family by building them a home. Upon our arrival at the site, we were introduced to the homeowners, a husband and wife with many young children who were excited to see us. The feeling was mutual, but as we started to tie our shoes and put on our gloves we came to the realization that we were about to face long hours of some very heavy labor (which most of us never experienced) in 40 degree heat. Still intent on accomplishing our goal, we created a human conveyor belt linking the house with the piles of sand 10 meters away. With five people shovelling and the rest passing baskets of sand, we laid the foundation for
what became the front entrance of the house. Neighbors started to notice the commotion and, realizing what was going on, they came out to greet us and offer us their hats to protect us from the scorching sun. They even occasionally fanned us with paper or their hands to cool us off. These were touching gestures of gratitude that
Group photo with our chaperones, Mr Jeff, Mr. Garrett, and Ms. Kerry, the mother of the family, and two of her older children with the house we built in the background (still drying!) 46
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gave even more meaning to the work we were doing. Our backs now slightly aching, we then mixed concrete, with guidance from professional construction workers at the site, and poured it on top of the sand to harden into smooth flooring for the family. Our work continued into the evening before we headed to our hotel. At the hotel, the group enjoyed some bonding time, playing games such as ultimate werewolf and wink murderer led by our chaperones, Mr. Garrett and Ms. Kerry. Having too much fun trying to catch the cursed werewolves, we stayed a little later than planned downstairs in the conference room laughing about wrongly accusing people of “crimes.� Of course we were still able to get up bright and early the next morning to continue our labour of love. Brick by brick we created the walls of the children’s bedroom, using over ten bags of dry cement, five big piles of sand, and enough gravel to completely cover two members head to toe. We were excited to see the house really coming together. Many of us mingled with the homeowners, learning more about them and their
children who passed us stone blocks, climbed the scaffolding, and sat with us in the shade while we rested. Finally, the moment we had been waiting for arrived - lunch in the form of som tum made by the family themselves! With our bellies full of the delicious papaya salad, we accomplish our goal. A new, bigger house fully erected for the growing family, we were all content and satisfied knowing we made a family very happy, as evident from their sparkling brown eyes and toothy smiles.
9th Grade Peace Studies Students Visit St.Clare AID Hospice in Lamluka
On April 30th, 2016, 22 students from the Grade 9 Peace Studies class volunteered their weekend time to visit St. Clare’s AID Hospice in Lamlukka.
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his event, organized by Sister Theresa, aimed to promote an attitude of service learning in the students of Ruamrudee. The students were able to take part in and learn through experiences new to them while contributing to their community. They brought books, charms, food, and games, as well as a plan to accompany the patients for the day. The day started with aerobics, which, unfortunately, was met with some reluctance as most of them weren’t very comfortable speaking in Thai to adults much older than themselves. By the end of the event, however, the students had completely warmed up to the patients and began to actively participate and bring the patients a lot of laughter and joy. With the ice broken and the introductions done, they separated into groups for board games and crafts before converging back together for lunch which was prepared by our students. Finally, with stomachs filled and energy renewed, some of our more musically-inclined students were ready to deliver a very well-rehearsed mini-concert to bring the day to a close. This was a very memorable experience and we hope that it brought as much happiness and joy to them as it did to us.
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Here is what some of our students thought about the visit: “Heartwarming” Amy I have to admit, when I first signed up for the AID Hospice community service, I had expected something quite bland. It came as quite a surprise when I found myself jumping around from place to place, playing Uno with the adults and laughing along with them.
“Satisfaction” Elizabeth This trip, in my opinion, was very successful. At first it started off awkwardly and we all weren’t very comfortable. After we started some of the arts and crafts activities and board games, I began to notice the patients smiling. And after some magic tricks we began to hear laughter and see smiles. It was very satisfying to know that our presence brought moments of happiness in their lives and that we made a difference.
“Insert an epic word here” Palm Because this was my first time going to a place like the AID hospice, I did not have much experience in what I was supposed to do. I contributed by cooking the food
for the patients. Personally I enjoy cooking, or working in the kitchen in general, so I had a lot of fun with the other students in the kitchen. Despite some of the students there having little experience with cooking, I tried my best to guide everyone along. In the end, I am pretty satisfied with the outcome of the experience as a whole. I hope that the people there enjoyed our visit, because I surely did.
“Grateful” Int On this trip, I was able to meet disabled people and have a glance at how they lived everyday. I realized how lucky I am to have been born without any disabilities and be able to contribute to society. I played games with them and realized that many of them enjoyed us coming there. I am impressed by how the patients at the hospital were mostly cheerful after we introduced ourselves. I am delighted that I had helped bring color into their lives in some way and made them happy.
“Uplifting” Emma On this trip I learned that the main thing about helping people is not making yourself look good, but making you feel good about yourself. You should feel glad and good that you helped people in need. Plus, it feels even better knowing that they had fun and feel better after we helped them. You feel proud of yourself for succeeding
in this goal. By making the patients participate in board games, it was heartwarming and uplifting to see them smile and laugh because of our kindness. I was part of the group that taught them how to play some of the board games and they had a lot of fun, especially with checkers. The whole thing was really satisfying and I had a lot of fun helping them and seeing them participate in the aerobic exercises. It made me feel proud of myself. What impressed me is that a lot of them actually are really good at checkers and they also made funny jokes while playing with each other, which was pretty amusing and entertaining. I definitely want to help more people and bring more happiness into their lives. Overall, the trip was very uplifting.
“Giving” Richy Giving is the best thing to do on earth. On this trip, I learned many things. It taught me how lucky I am. I saw how my friends gave their knowledge and skills to the patients. There was lots of laughter and happiness from both the RIS students and the patients. On this trip, I was in the cooking section. I tried my best to use my knowledge from what I’ve learned from home and use it at the Hospice. I also learned a lot from Sr. Theresa on how to cook fried rice. Our RIS Students did the best to have fun and make them happy. This was my first Service Learning trip and right now it seems to be the best of all. Ad Astra Volume 18 June 2016
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Our Day at St. Claire Aid Hospice By Aika Wiwatwanont instead of the weaknesses, of the patients was because each patient was able to follow each exercise that we were demonstrating. It gave me a smile on my face to see all these strong people following each stretch. After 10 minutes stretching, we all split up into groups. There were crafts, cooking, games, musical performances, and reading/conversation.
n our final Peace Studies class before the trip, we all wrapped MaMa noodles to give to the patients of St. Claire AID Hospice. Although I am not good at wrapping presents or MaMa noodles, I tried my best! I really love community service, especially helping people who are in need of help. Although my wrapping design may seem messy, there is a lot of meaning to it. The two little sticker ducks represent two lovers with a big heart. At the bottom, there are leaves poking out, representing nature. Some people may look down on the disabled, poor, or homeless, thinking that they are lower and weaker than a “normal” person. This toxic belief makes those less fortunate think that the world has no need for them. I believe that assumption is the total opposite of the truth! We all have a heart and God created each one of us to have a healthy, meaningful life. Yes, some of us are unfortunately born with diseases and medical conditions. But somewhere out there, someone is going to take you, take care of you, treat you like you’re one of them. Everyone deserves love. Don’t think that you’re an outsider based on a condition you have. Instead, think about nature. Nature was born beautifully, creating a living environment for us. Unfortunately, some parts of nature are cut down or polluted because we, as humans, are selfish. We all don’t live a perfect life, with perfect health or a perfect face. But we do have a perfect, loving heart. Don’t think that anyone is less than anyone else. Instead, know that God created everyone for a reason, so accept that and be at ease.
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April 30, we left for St. Claire Aid hospice at 8:40 sharp. It took us around 40-50 minutes to get there. When we got to the Hospice, we unloaded the bus and quickly started our activities. Elizabeth, Emma, and Maren began with a music exercise where we stretched our bodies. The reason why I was able to see the strengths, 50
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Everyone split into groups and my friends and I did cooking. I consider myself average when I cook alone. However, I realized today that cooking in groups is a whole different experience entirely. I thought that cooking in a group would help us prepare the dishes faster. I was totally wrong. When you cook alone you know exactly what you are doing, but when you cook in a group you have to tell each chef what task they have to complete in order to finish that one dish. I think the main thing we could have improved on was time management. For example, the fish meatballs were supposed to be grilled. However, with the limited time, we could only fry them in a pan. When I tasted one of the meatballs, it tasted very oily. I felt very ashamed as I was the one in charge of cooking the fish meatballs. The main thing that I learned about the patients was how caring they were. Some of the people that I was looking after asked for more fish meatballs. That moment was very special to me. I was so happy when they asked for more. As I was leaving, Sister Theresa handed out the MaMa we had decorated the day before. There was an older gentleman there that really caught my eye when I entered the hospice. When we were doing the exercises, he was the first to copy the stretches we were doing. The first thing that came to my mind was, “Whoa, he seems really healthy and energetic.” When I saw that, I couldn’t help but smile. I gave him my MaMa and said, “you have one big, strong red heart.”
High School Reef Clean Up Take 2 By Methira Saksiriwatekul & Menila Ting
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igh School Reef Clean-Up Take 2 is a continuation of the International Reef Clean-Up Day that was hosted in the beginning of the school year. The objective was to help preserve our precious coral reefs. In the first event, RIS coordinated with Mermaids Dive Center and teamed up with other international schools in Bangkok to clean Koh Sak beach. However, this recent community service trip was organized exclusively for RIS High School students. Reef Clean Up Take 2 took place on March 12th. A group of high school students went to Koh Sak with a mission in mind. Not only did the students clean the beach, but they also had opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive. Along with 4 diving instructors, students who are certified scuba divers collected several bags of trash underwater near Koh Sak reef. Simultaneously, other students snorkeled their way to Koh Sak beach, a place that has accumulated a considerable amount of trash. Even with the hot weather, we worked diligently to restore Koh Sak beach back to its original pristine state. At the end of the day, we were able to gather a large pile of trash, a sign that we have successfully accomplished our mission.
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Halleluia! The Joy of Easter and Our Outstanding Seniors’ Easter Performance!
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his year’s Easter Performance was exuberant, fun, and nerve-wrecking! As soon as our high school students returned from their Senior Trip and the Religion Retreat, it was all hands on deck for the spring production. With great performers who practiced their lines and rehearsed their parts for almost one semester, the Easter Performance was a great success. The day of the show, seniors and high school students took the stage for their first ever performance. Since the Easter Production 2016: Where Love and Mercy meet took place in St. Thomas Church, proper on-stage performance was not really our main focus. Instead, we focused on conveying the Easter message and spirit to our wonderful audience. Can you imagine how hectically the backstage crew scrambled back and forth to bring forgotten props from the classroom while simultaneously cueing the organist that the performers had skipped certain parts and had mess up their timing? Miraculously, when all seemed to be wrong and not going well, everyone pulled through and worked together. Everything went well from Jesus before Pontius Pilate to Jesus being nailed to the cross. We especially enjoyed when the audience laughted and cheered as Jesus come back to life so quickly after his crucifixion and ran back to the sacristy.
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Easter is full of surprises, unexpected events, and discoveries. Our senior students awed the audience even though they were nervous and had never performed in public before. Due to time constraints, each school section was assigned a part of the Easter program and had to practice within their section with no performance wide dress rehearsal. Students learned how to pantomime, become stars, and professional makeup artists overnight. After the event, each of the high school performers breathed a sigh of relief and patted each other on the back, congratulating their castmates for a successful Easter Production. I pray that this performance will resound with our seniors as they walk across the stage to receive their diploma in the coming weeks. Graduation will be another tremendous achievement, like when they dared to be in the spotlight and to get out of their comfort zone. So with that being said, I would like to take this opportunity to salute our Class of 2016, especially my senior Religion students, and wish them all the best as they take on new challenges and face new adventures. Thank you, seniors! This article is meant as a celebration of your “New Life” and as a tribute to your many years of success here at RIS! All the best to you all!!
“This year’s Easter Production was one of a kind. Everyone cooperated together and not only tried their best, but they also made it a memorable event. I helped in one of the acts and helped backstage once my scene was done. This year’s Easter production had a variety of students from different grades showing the different things we have learned. Overall, the event was fun and enjoyable to both watch and help because of the people who were there.” - Natalie “This was a great production, not only very educational, but also invoked beautiful emotions.” - Jafferali Mussa “Coming to the Easter production help me better understand that Jesus suffered and died on the cross for us. Even though people hate him, I shall love him.” - Donovan “It helps me to try to be good” - Vin “Easter has helped me develop my identity by solidifying my belief as a Catholic. Before, I was having difficulties with my religion as I was unsure of myself. Seeing the sacrifice that God has done for me solidified my ability to believe in God and Jesus Christ. In addition, it also helped me to give up something frivolous for Lent. It
taught me that I do not need some things in my life and they can be given up for the greater good. Lent also taught me that praying more is good. My family goes to church much more than in the past and on most Sundays I pray to the Lord. Praying for things that are not for your own good and for the good of others gives me a sense of peace and well-being for in my soul.” - Heather (RIS Alumni) “This year’s production was surely the best Easter production in recent years! The messages were clear and presented well by the children. I felt proud of the Sisters for their good planning and the teachers for helping the children present the scenes masterfully. The message of love in all of the teaching of Jesus, as presented by the children, invited us in St. Thomas Church to respond with greater faith. I was happy and grateful for the chance to be there. Thank you!” - Father Travis “I learned that God made a very big sacrifice by telling his son to die on the cross for all of us. I danced with the other 7th graders . I felt joyful. I think I liked the play by the high schoolers the best. Jesus made a big sacrifice for us by dying on the cross but he rose from the dead and gave us everlasting life.” - Nathan Ad Astra Volume 18 June 2016
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First Penance and Holy Communion of 2016 By Sr. Mary Rose, FMSRw
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ive students from RIS and three more from St. Thomas Church parishioners studied and prepared for the last 7 months to celebrate two important post Baptismal sacraments, Penance and Holy Communion, on May 7-8, 2016. Together with their families and the Catholic Church community, the celebration was a joyous day for all. Here are some of their reflections:
“My Mom and Dad have always told me that God is always around us. But after my First Holy Communion I felt that I am closer to him as I feel Jesus Christ is in my body. Also I felt cleansed because I believe that God has taken away all of my sins. I feel really happy to be with you, Jesus Christ. I love you and thank you Jesus Christ, for my First Holy Communion.” - Rohan Aragorn R. Polonio “Sunday May 8th 2016, was a very special day for me. I woke up early in the morning because it was going to be the first day that I receive Jesus’s body for the first time. My friends and I were very nervous but we also felt overwhelmed with excitement at the same time. We had studied with Sr. Mary Rose and others for nearly one year. It was well worth it because we learned more about Jesus and Mother Mary. It was brilliant that my friends and I got to be blessed by the fathers. We 54
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also did confession for the first time with Fr. Travis and Fr.Yuthana. It was a great experience for me because Jesus got rid of all my bad sins and will help me to start new life again. I was very proud of myself and my friends because we all had to speak in front of many people. In my opinion, I think that we all did great. This was my first time to receive a blessed bread and a blessed wine. After I had received Jesus’s body, I felt very peaceful. I promise to God that I will try my best not to sin.” - Jaosmut Saturday. “When I first arrived at school, I felt nervous. It felt like I was going on stage. But when I saw my friends, I felt like I was going into my classroom. I prayed to Jesus and that made me feel like I was with Him, as if He was beside me. Also, Jaden was correct about the good shepherd. We were the sheep and God was the shepherd.” Sunday. “Once I reached the front of the church, I went into the room where we changed our suits. I was really nervous when I saw the amount of people in the church. I was also very nervous when I made my speech and everyone was taking pictures. They were watching me intensly. When I received the blood of Christ, I thought it tasted weird. After the Mass was finished, I felt so excited that I could now receive Holy Communion every time I attended Mass! It was also cool to eat the food at the Reception Hall after the service. Finally we could play games and have fun with our friends after all the hard work. I feel so proud that I can now receive Holy Communion.” - Victor
The Impact of Religion 11: Student Reflections he Values/Religion program has had a significant impact on me. In addition to making new friends and meeting new people, I have developed my social skills. I am more open-minded to other people’s opinions and points of view. Meeting new people has resulted in me learning new things as well as others learning new things from me. This program provides mutual benefits and encourages people to think, socialise, and discuss many topics. By talking to other people who are involved in this program, I’m able to meet people I don’t know or don’t usually talk to. This will help me later in life when I attend colleges, interviews, etc. I see the world as a sea of people, waiting for me to meet and talk to.” - Nirat Wangsatorntanakun
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“I personally feel that the Values/Religion program has impacted my RIS learning experience. Being able to join the Religion program since Grade 1 has enabled me to not only to learn about my belief, but also to share my experiences and knowledge with other people. It has taught me what living in the real world is like and how to become a better person in society. In addition, I feel like being in this program allows me view the world in an optimistic way. I do not regret joining the Religion program.” - Prue Uchupalanun “I have learned a lot about Catholic teachings through Religion class. It has broadened my mind and allowed me to start thinking about people in the world. Everyone has a different way of thinking about social ranks, handicaps, and relationships. Some people are very rich but others might be very poor. Some people are very good at running but others don’t have their legs. I have learned to help people who are poor and those who are handicapped. Before I learned about social teaching, I was thinking about myself only. I was thinking, “if I’m happy then everything is alright.” However, when I start to help my friends and people in my community, I notice that it makes me happier. Helping one another is very important for our community because it makes the community more united. There will be fewer conflicts and more happiness for everyone.” - Rika Hamuro
“I think that I have become a better person through Religion class. Because the Sisters have given us the freedom to choose what we do in class, I have a better grasp on the concept of life outside the school. The lasting impression I have on the Religion program is that it enables me to do good in my own way. Also, I think that the Religion Retreat brought me closer to God and to my classmates. As a RIS student, I think it inspires me to make the school a better place, even after I graduate. I think that the practice of helping others and community service would definitely make the world a better place.“ - June Krisralam “Reflecting on my actions has allowed me to have a better understanding of my beliefs and values. It also has helped me understand more of my vocation and my relationship with others. I have been in a Religion class since Grade 3, and being able to end it successfully brings me joy. I hope one day the teachings that I have received from this course would help me decide my path and decisions.“ - Thitisa Sudayuworn SUCCESS…. Success doesnt have only one meaning, different people have different perspectives on the meaning and what it means to them. It could meaning working hard your whole life and finally becoming rich and earning the money that you deserve. It could mean being unhappy your whole life and suddenly finding a way to be happy. It could mean carrying a child in your belly for 9 long months and after that you finally see your baby child. It could mean bringing up your children to be well behaved, kids with a good moral compass. Success could be as simple as cooking a delicious meal for your family and seeing smiles on their faces. Success can be big or small it doesn’t matter how big your success is as long as it brings a smile to your face and makes you feel like you’ve achieved something for yourself and someone else in your life. It’s the accomplishment of a aim or goal, be it big or small. - Bleu Dorji
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HS Religion Retreat 2016 “Taking Care of Our Common Home”
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his year‘s High School Religion Retreat not only challenged our HS students to venture out into the world, but also to come to a greater appreciation of the world we live in. We began by mixing high schoolers from different grade levels together and creating positive group dynamics. The students were mixed into different families where they were to asked to make themselves a part of the family unit. The groups were challenged with building the highest self-standing tower, coming up with a family name, and creating a motto. The goal of these activities was to introduce our theme: “exodusmoving beyond and exiting ourselves” so as to “go forth towards others.” All groups hurriedly and quickly became engineers, mass communicators, construction workers, moms, dads, brothers, and sisters to help their family succeed. We went beyond our comfort zones, setting our cliques aside to be with our new found family. We laughed, struggled, and wholeheartedly dedicated ourselves to activities like hiking, family building, group skits, attending Mass, dining together, receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation, campfire cook-outs, and many more. Many fun and memorable events took place as we let our “hair down” and got to know each other better and better. Even for those who were shy
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and did not mix well in the larger group, this retreat really taught us to open up to God and to one another. Thanks be to God for creating the beauty in nature and our new friends and newly-found family members. Our lasting impression of this retreat can be summed up as: “Take care to be a part of the human family and be one with nature!!” - Sr. Theresa H. Nguyen, HS Religion Teacher
“SKILLS”
“ENJOyABLE”
After every retreat or service learning, I always go home with new skills that make me a better person. In the ROTC English Camp, I taught Thai kids from grades 4,5,6 about countries, food, personal pronouns, and many more topics. I taught kids how to pronounce and write English words. I sometimes had to give hints, like translating the English words into Thai (even though we were told to speak English). But at the end I saw the kids I taught go home being able to speak and write basic English. This would benefit them later in life.
Overall, the retreat was fun and enjoyable. Even though the hiking took up a decent amount of time, the view was worth it. I believe that everything went great. - Nicky (Grade 11)
In the Religion Retreat, I loved being able to work with new people in team building exercises and improve my teamwork. While hiking, I learned how to be careful and avoid the dangers of one false step. Because nothing bad happened on the hike, this is an example of how God is always protecting us and loving us. - Chakorn (Jumbo) Charnchainarong (Gr.9)
“ADVENTURE” I feel like this retreat was a lot of fun. It really goes well with the theme “Mercy all Around,” as we really got in touch with nature. The houses we slept in were very comfortable with a very good atmosphere. Hiking was very tiring, but overall interesting and enjoyable. A good word to describe and summarize my experience is “adventure.” - Ping N. (Gr. 10)
“EXPERIENCE” Overall, this religion retreat was an enjoyable experience. During the trip, I learned me how to collaborate with friends and interact with other people. I learned that collaboration is one of the most important keys to success. Sometimes during the trip I felt a bit exhausted, but still I enjoyed the atmosphere and felt that God was always with us. My most memorable moment was when we hiked the mountain, because it was challenging and fun. In summary, I felt comfortable and had fun throughout the trip while I got a lot of experience and realized that God created nature. - Pavis (Beam) Bhuvanit (Grade 10)
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ris: Photo of the day: 16/5/2016 This week our MS is celebrating Spirit Week. With a different theme everyday, today students celebrated “Twin Day” by coordinating matching outfits with their friends. We look forward to seeing everyone’s spirit on display over the next several days!
ris: Photo of the day: 13/5/2016 Happy 59th birthday RIS!! Today we celebrated Founder’s Day and the opening of our school. We began with a school wide assembly that discussed our mission and vision. Afterwards, our PA treated everyone to ice cream. It truly was a birthday to remember. 59 never looked so good!
ris: Photo of the day: 4/5/2016 All throughout Songkran, RIS students and faculty members documented their vacations by taking selfies displaying their RIS pride and spirit. By tagging their pictures with #RISongkran, they were able to enter their selfie for fabulous prizes like a GoPro, Polaroid camera, or fisheye lens. Though there were many entries, we would like to highlight our three winners. 1st: Chartsarin Grade 9, Cliffs of Portugal 2nd: Naman Grade 11, Songkran in Bangkok 3rd: Manaka Grade 11, Leaning Tower of Pizza We would like to thank all our participants and we are already looking forward to next year’s addition of the RIS Selfie Contest! Stay tuned for more detail! 58
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ris: Photo of the day: 28/4/2016 While the Class of 2016 was busy pulling high jinks throughout campus for Senior Prank Day, our Grade 1 students had a very different type of fun during Thai class. Here they are spelling out Thai words using play-doh!
ris: Photo of the day: 8/4/2016 This morning, our entire community gathered for Songkran. In honor of the Thai New Year taking place next week, we celebrated Thai traditions and culture. With performances by our ES, MS, and HS, everyone was thoroughly entertained by Songkran dances and music. At the end of the assembly, students ceremonially poured water over the hands of teachers, administrators, and parents to honor them and their commitment to our school. Thank you to our Thai Department for organizing this wonderful assembly!
ris: Photo of the day: 4/4/2016 Sixth grade discovery science students garden and use solar ovens. Even rain doesn’t stop the discovery!
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16 students of the class of 2016 are accepted into faculties of Medicine.
Congratulations!
Phoomphut (Tiger) Sangaphunchai
Nichapa (Minnie) Lerthirunvibul
Jiratchaya (Prae) Samutsakorn
Yanin (Lynn) Nawachartkosit
Aparna (Aparna) Valluvan
Chawan (Prem) Kritsanaviparkporn
Lalida (Nat) Sangkakit
Pisinee (Earth) Veerathummnoon
Patsorn (Pat) Sapsuwan
Lapol (Plato) Herabat
Napassorn (Jane) Lertchurushan
Sethapun (Mickey) Phopiboonsuk
Patcharaporn (Mook) Teerarochanapong
Paoleena (Mudmee) Sompolpong
Suwat (Van) Jetjirawat
Pichaya (Soft) Tangpanchasin
The Joint Medical Programme, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakarinwirot University & The University of Nottingham, UK. Phoomphut Sangaphunchai, Jiratchaya Samutsakorn, Chawan Kritsanaviparkporn, Patsorn Sapsuwan, Sethapun Phopiboonsuk. Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University. Lapol Herabat, Phoomphut Sangaphunchai, Lalida Sangkakit, Patsorn Sapsuwan, Nichapa Lerthirunvibul, Yanin Nawachartkosit, Chawan Kritsanaviparkporn, Patcharaporn Teerarochanapong. College of Medicine, Rangsit University. Lalida Sangkakit, Paoleena Sompolpong, Suwat Jetjirawan, Chawan Kritsanaviparkporn, Patsorn Sapsuwan, Pichaya Tangpanchasil, Napassorn Lerchuruschan. Doctor of Dental Surgery (International Programme), Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University. Pichaya Tangpanchasil, Lapol Herabat, Nichapa Lerthirunvibul. Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rangsit University. Pisinee Veerathummnoon. Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Alberta, Canada Aparna Valluvan