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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Message from the School Chaplain Father Leo Travis, C.Ss.R. RIS High School Vision for the Future Dr. Peter Toscano Message from the Editor Sudha Maroli Synonymous with Christmas is Giving! Toni Boush MS Principal Message Andy Westerman The Christmas Envelope Eric Monson Christmas Message from RIST Principal Sudarat T. Attanawin H.M. the King’s Birthday Pongsatorn Kaewngam RIST Celebrates Japanese Culture Megumi Furuya MS Students Participate in United Nations Day RIS Pupil Services Department Celebrating People Dhra Dhirakaosal International Food Fair Parent Auxiliary RIS Student Voices on the Floods Torie Leinbach, Paige Prescott ES Students Open Their Hearts to Flood Victims Sister Mary Rose ES Art Classes Recycle Sand Bags MS Introduces Standards Based Report Cards Robert Ledlie Grade 6 Reflections on the Floods Grier Rennie Helping Those in Need Shirley Gamble RIS and RIST Teachers Show Compassion Jillian Nichols, Sister Minh, Daniela Bosch, Gerry Steiert Flood Art Cindy Hopkins RIS Hanoi Trip Shirley Gamble Mimio in the MS Math Classroom Ben Roth
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6 7 8 9 10
New Athletics Field Ready for Play 33 Dhra Dhirakaosal RIS Golf Team, #1 in SE Asia 34 Walter Koertge RIS Water Polo Team Wins BISAC Championship 35 Kevin Leinbach Season 1 Wrap-Up 36-37 Gerard Steiert RIS Jazz Band 38 Robert Boer
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Publication Information:
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Our school newsletter is published four times a year or at the end of each school quarter. The objective of the publication is to report on and communicate happenings at Ruamrudee International School as well as at our sister school, Redeemer International School Thailand. At least 2,000 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.
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Newsletter Team
Editor: Sudha Maroli Contributing Editors: Katharine Mitchell Dhra Dhirakaosal Coordinator: Tharatharn Kositanont Graphics Design/Layout: Sornchai Pongheamwattana Printed by T.K. Printing Co., Ltd. Ruamrudee International School
6 Ramkhamhaeng 184, Minburi, Bangkok 10510 Tel: +66 (0) 2518 0320 Fax: +66 (0) 2518 0334 RIS Website: www.rism.ac.th RIST Website: www.rist.ac.th AD Astra Volume 2 December 2011
Gibbon
Gibbon
AD Astra Volume 2 December 2011
Message from the School Chaplain
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hen I was about ten years old, studying in the Fifth Grade back in Wisconsin, I heard the Biblical story about “the Great Flood”. Our teacher was Sister Aimee. She had a way of telling a story that made sure we would not forget the slightest detail . Most of us never saw a real flood at that age - but we understood that a flood is probably pretty bad. She told us about Noah building a boat that would hold animals and people. Noah’s boat was big enough and strong enough to hold pairs of animals of all sorts and still have room for his three sons and their wives, and, of course for Noah and his wife too. Then the rain came, and the flood waters poured into the whole area and his boat began to float ! The story ended with Noah and his family being safe enough, but that all around them there had been terrible destruction. My classmates and I in the Fifth Grade didn’t worry much about all that water at the time, for it was cold in Wisconsin in December, and we had snow, lots of it, but no rain. We didn’t talk about it much any more, for we were busy preparing for Christmas !! That wasn’t very good or holy !! Sister Aimee had told the story to help us understand that we should share, if possible, with people who need our help. It is now seventy three years later ! - and I still get letters from two of my classmates from Fifth Grade ! Sister Aimee’s stories and advice make a lot of sense to us now !! You and I have seen a flood in Bangkok this year. Maybe you had flood water in your home. You know what it is like. You know that a lot of people suffer with a flood. Some of us even had to move out of our house for a while. Lots of our friends tell us that when they wanted to move back to their home, the home was a mess and everything was soggy. We saw a flood. We know that it makes life really difficult. Back in school now, after most of the flood is gone, we might have a way of helping our friends or others who lost a lot of things. Maybe they lost a shirt, a baseball glove, a book or other valuables. If we can share some of our personal things with them they would be very thankful. You and I at Ruamrudee and Redeemer International know that it is right and holy to assist others in ways that are proper and imminent. Jesus did that. Perhaps that is why he was born in a stable. Jesus knew what it was to be cold and to rest on a bed of straw. We pray to Jesus now at Christmas time to inspire us to be thoughtful and helpful to people who are flooded or hungry. May the Christmas blessing of Jesus keep you warm and healthy, preparing your heart to be kind and helpful to people who suffer. God bless you. May you have a Blessed Christmas !
Father Leo Travis, C.Ss.R. School Chaplain
AD Astra Volume 2 December 2011
RIS High School Vision for the Future Dear Parents and Students,
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ith graduating classes of over 180 students last year and this year, along with consistently high academic results (see: http://www.rism. ac.th/ris/hs_profile.php), our high school is one of the largest and most respected in the Kingdom. At RIS we see it as the nexus of an exciting, integrated learning community that provides a fullrounded education to students from pre-school on up. Our vision is to build the quality of our educational programs through the ongoing development of our curriculum and the hiring and training of some of the brightest, most qualified teachers around. We’ve stayed true to this vision of quality for decades and are now positioned to breathe new life into our learning system through a restructuring of the high school’s facilities. We feel that these changes capture the spirit of RIS’s commitment to excellence, while incorporating the type of innovation and imagination crucial to success today.
A Small College Approach The integration of Redeemer School of Thailand (RIST) into RIS creates one unified entity and allows us to maximize our facilities in the high school. In 2012-2013 RIST will be renamed “Redeemer Hall for the Arts and Humanities,” while the main high school building will be dubbed, “Alphonsus Hall for Math, Science, and Technology.”
their education, and where powerful synergies of learning occur as domains overlap in critical areas of understanding. We envision a school that has the structure and intimacy of a small college with a continued commitment to quality student/teacher interaction, but a refocused emphasis on student success in fields that we feel will ultimately feed into students’ entry into top universities.
Dormitories One other exciting change related to this restructuring will be the opening of a dormitory on campus for new high school students. Selos Hall, which houses our Thai and religion classes, will be refurbished next year and opened as a dormitory capable of housing an additional 50 students.
Campus Beautification and New Athletics Field These innovations, together with an incredible push to beautify the campus and improve facilities, including the now complete installation of a state-of-the-art artificial grass football field, have and will help to change the imprint of RIS, aggressively positioning us as one of the top schools in the region for years to come. As Winston Churchill stated, “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” This small step forward to a school structure unique in Bangkok is the first move in a series of significant innovations that RIS will introduce over the next two years. Our hope is that these changes will be embraced by the entire learning community. Please feel free to send me any questions or comments.
R edeemer H all
Regards,
Dr. Peter M. Toscano, Ed.D.
This will transform the high school campus into two Head of School, RIS/RIST distinct, but interconnected academic sectors, where subject-matter specialists collaborate and students are challenged to deeply immerse themselves in
AD Astra Volume 2 December 2011
Message from the Editor
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ot much time has passed since we have been in the middle of the devastating floods. So many were direct victims and others were the victims of the gloom and the impending threats of the devastations yet to come. The known and the unknown, both too much! When Ruamrudee reopened after a month of closure, the “genial flame” of charity ignited our spirits; it made one believe that each of us can make a difference. No one really knows what is needed to restore things back to where they used to be, but the power of giving can never be underestimated. Just as I write this, RIST has taken the lead in a Lasagna Fundraiser, “Giving Home, Giving Life”. What I relish is more than the aroma of the spices. Surely, the gusto and the tang induce intrigue and captivate my olfactory sense. But for me, the enchantment and allure are really about the intention that has emanated from the hearts of these “Master Chefs”. At a distance, I hear that 40,000 baht has been raised thus far. As the year ends, I ponder on the past with tenderness and contemplate the future with courage. I wish each of you peace, love and hope. Season’s greeting for each day ahead.
Respectfully yours,
Sudha Maroli Deputy Head for School Affairs
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Synonymous with Christmas is GIVING! Dear RIS Community,
The holiday season is an opportunity to create goodness. We can be true givers of ourselves to everyone anywhere. Giving can be within our hearts and not about materialistic things. We can open our hearts and provide smiles, or say hello to someone who gets ignored. We can offer to help a neighbor or a colleague. We can spend an extra minute talking to someone who needs our time. Giving - no matter where we live, where we travel or whether we speak the language - is a small act that allows us to become rooted in the community of humanity. Once you become a giver you will never be alone. We wish all of you a safe and healthy holiday season.
Ms. Toni Boush Elementary School Principal I would also like to recommend a few titles of Children’s Books that highlight “Giving!” The Long March, Written by Marie-Louise Fitzpatirck Boxes for Katie, Written by Candace Fleming The Shine Man, Written by Mary Quattlebaum 14 Cows for America, Written by Carmen Agra Deedy Our second grade students from Ms. Shelly and Ms. Christine’s classrooms also have some reflections to share about what the spirit of giving means to them.
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MS Principal Message Dear RIS Families, Christmas is a wonderful time of year for many people because of the positive memories it can awaken. I cherish most the memories of being safe and together with my family as a child. This year, Thailand has been struck by flooding that has ripped families asunder, let alone their secure environments. As we enter this Advent season, I wish everyone the gift of patience. Patience with colleagues. Patience with extended family members and your children. Patience with public servants and others who are doing their best to ameliorate the situation. And patience with yourself… Each of us can count ourselves fortunate if we have had minimal affects from the flooding - and should pray for those less fortunate. I pray that everyone has a Christmas holiday this year that is safe, together with family members, and creates positive memories. I share with you the words of Luke, and hope some find strength in the words of the angel: “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) I want to extend my deep gratitude to parents, teachers, and students at the Middle School for your support this year. May the joy and peace of Christmas be yours this holy day and throughout the New Year 2012.
Mr. J. Andrew Westerman Middle School Principal
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The Christmas Envelope
s a young boy, the Christmas season was always a special time of year. Growing up in the eastern part of Washington State, snow would cover the ground with a blanket of white. Everywhere you looked it was bright, clean and refreshing. My family was blessed. Both my parents worked at good jobs, and as children we never were left wanting. On Christmas Eve, the area under the tree was loaded with gifts and in the decorated tree there were always four envelopes, one for each child. The envelopes contained a message leading each of us to a special gift. We would have to wait to open the envelopes until all the other gifts were opened. We were filled with excitement, anticipation, and optimism, constantly glancing at the envelope during the evening. The envelopes always revealed the best gifts. Red Ryder BB guns, bicycles, sporting equipment, microscopes, it was always just what we hoped for, but we never really knew if we would receive. For a Christian, Christmas is a an exceptionally special time. Not because of the presents under the tree, or the white snow that would cover the ground, but because of the envelope that is waiting to be opened and the message inside. To me the envelope represents optimism and hope. For a Christian, the message inside the envelope is the gift of eternal life that we can gain through Christ. Each Christmas I am reminded of the envelope in the tree and what it represents. I am filled with excitement, anticipation, and optimism for what my life will become as I continue forward. Different religions have different beliefs, Gods, traditions, and holidays. Living in Thailand, like living in America, we are exposed to different people’s beliefs and religions. Every faith has an envelope of hope and optimism, containing a message leading believers to the gift of something greater. Religion and faith give us the gift of optimism. We look forward to something better and we have to wait until the very end to open the final envelope. But the envelope is there for us to look at every day. It reminds us to be excited, to anticipate what is to come, and helps us to persevere through the struggles of today and tomorrow. Eventually the day comes when we can open the envelope and receive the message. These last few months, I have watched as the residents of Thailand struggle to deal with the flood waters. Some have been impacted more than others, but everyone knows someone who has had to deal with the flood water. Through this ordeal, I am amazed at the attitudes and resilience of the Thai people. We all view this experience through our own filter, and ultimately see if differently. My filter changed during a recent conversation with a Thai waiter who told me that the Thai people know how to deal with flood waters, and they have strength in their heart to overcome. For me, I see the hope that people hold for something better (strength of heart) fueling their optimism and giving them the strength to persevere. Christmas is a time to remember the gifts that we are given each day both in our blessing and our struggles. It is an opportunity to keep our eye on the envelope of hope and optimism, knowing the message it contains is the greatest gift of all.
Mr. Eric Monson High School Principal 10
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Christmas Message from RIST Principal
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s we approach this season of giving, I reflect upon my many blessings. It is a joy for me to represent such a fine community as RIST. Coming to work each day is like coming to my extended family outside of my home. I am truly blessed by a sense of community and belonging that prevails throughout RIST. I thank RIST faculty, parents and staff for their incredibly hard work and dedication in laying the foundation of meaningful learning for all students. Their commitment to children is what sets us apart from other schools. No matter what the job is, the task is always done. As they volunteer their time and energy, RIST becomes a stronger place. And regardless of circumstances, the community spirit remains! As the holiday season commences, I wish everyone a festive holiday with family and friends. Take the much needed time off to relax and enjoy your many blessings too. Sudarat T. Attanawin RIST Principal
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H.M. the King’s Birthday By: Siriyakorn (Gina) 6-1 Natcha (Jenny) 6-4 Chayaporn (Jean) 6-3
By: Worathon (Jom) 7-5 Krittanat (Ford) 7-4
By: Yingrak (Mo) 7-5 Pitchaporn (D-Nee) 7-5
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He is the greatest teacher for me He is everything I will be Even though I am feeling blue I know he will guide me through He always has the best reasons In every time and every season He will always be beside me Whenever I need him he will be.
After sixty five years of dedication After the rich nine generations He gave us all his devotion, and all his attention He was with us all along He made us brave and strong Even though there was a flood We didn’t spill any blood He gave us peace and freedom And has a peaceful kingdom December fifth is his birth And may peace prevail on earth. His majesty the king, the longest living king in the world His creations help save us He is the person, we always will trust He rule our country with justice We shall celebrate his eighty fourth birthday With glory and happiness all the way Long Live our King Bhumibol
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AD Astra Volume 2 December 2011
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RIST Celebrates Japanese Culture
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uring international week, RIS Middle and High School students in Japanese classes experienced a taste of Japanese culture. They learned YUKATA and BON ODORI. What did they do? What did they think of the activity?
Nud (HS Japanese 4) October 11, 2011 marked the day the class Japanese 4 learned about Japanese culture. We started off with Megumi Sensei’s presentation on different types of Kimono, a Japanese traditional dress. I was very surprised on how different Kimonos could be, and the variety. One type of Kimono is a Yukata, usually worn in the summer. We had a go at putting on the Yukata on. For the male, it was quite an easy procedure; however, for the female, it was a difficult process requiring a lot of skill. Luckily, two Japanese helpers were there to assist us. 14
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Vee (IB Japanese ab initio Y1) Megumi sensei taught us the traditional dance, Bondori. At first, it was difficult to follow all the steps but then when all of us get use to it, it was very fun! Tan (HS Japanese 4) I have dreamed about learning about Yukata and other aspects of Japanese culture since I started studying the language in Grade 6. Prim (HS Japanese 4) As a senior, I really loved this activity. I hope this Yukata activity goes on every year so that the other generations of Japanese students get to experience what I have experienced. Queen (HS Japanese 2) I think that this is a very great experience for Japanese language learners because it makes us feel like we are really in Japan! Kelly (MS Japanese Gr. 8-2) This activity will become a really precious memory from my middle school life.
MS Students Participate in United Nations Day
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group of 20 RIS Middle School students and two science teachers will “Step Up for Disaster Risk Reduction” with the United Nations on Thursday, October 13, in observance of the International Day for Disaster. The UN invited RIS students to participate in the event, which is aimed at raising awareness of how people are taking action to reduce their risk to disasters. The theme of this year’s observance is “Making Children and Young People Partners for Disaster Risk Reduction.” In addition, RIS Deputy Head of School, Sudha Maroli, will be moderating a panel discussion during the event which involves 54 students from 13 countries. RIS is grateful for this opportunity for students and staff alike to connect with the international community.
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Celebrating People
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ike our school motto “Ad Astra”, or “To The Stars”, our faculty and students are stellar in a wide variety of areas. Dr. John Stiles is among the many members of the RIS family who excel in many areas. Equipped with a doctorate’s degree in Science Education from the University of Iowa, he has taught at many prestigious international schools in the UK, Belgium, and Kuwait. His passion for biology and the exploration of nature led him all the way to Thailand, where he has been a Biology, IB Biology and Forensics teacher in the High School section since 2007.
Aside from his academic achievements, Dr. Stiles’ love for nature is also evident in a hobby he has enjoyed for almost 40 years: photography. His focus is mostly on nature, landscapes and portraits. Many of his pictures were displayed at a gallery in San Francisco and sold to banks, churches and individuals. But a current passion that has taken over most of his weekends is teaching English to underprivileged Muslim children, and giving them a “confidence booster.” The experience is a way for him to express gratitude for all the privileges he has been fortunate enough to receive in his own life. Dr. Stiles explains that there are certain cultural protocols one should be aware of when working with children in a setting outside of school. The students are Muslim, but that is secondary to their basic goodness as children, which is consistent the world over, regardless of religious status. They are children first, Muslim/Buddhist/ Christian/Hindu/Jewish second.
His love for the Thai culture comes across in his appreciation of the students at RIS, whom he describes as respectful, hard working and happy. Students and faculty love him for his innovative teaching ideas and creativity, such as the creation of a Forensics course that has proven to be a big hit with the students. He hopes that the analytical and inquisitive skills the students learn in class will carry over to their life For him, this Christmas season is one of hope and charity, outside of school. and a time when there is so much happiness. He wishes 16
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The jack fruit man, Ramkhamhaeng Road
Beautiful old architecture is found throughout Chinatown. At night they are enhanced by the glow of street lights.
Few people are as popular as the snow cone man! to see a glimmer of those this year after so much unhappiness and hardships affecting people around the world. He hopes that his teachings, regardless of where it takes place, will help students understand that they have many options in life through the opportunities that are bestowed upon them and the ones they create themselves. This is Dr. John Stiles’ last year at RIS, after which he will retire but remain active in the education sector by working as a consultant for Science and Mathematics for the Thai Ministry of Education. Samples of his photos and his adventures outside RIS can be seen on his personal blog http://expatteacherinthailand.blogspot. com/2011_11_01_archive.html AD Astra Volume 2 December 2011
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International Food Fair
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very year the RIS parents take this great opportunity to join hands together to showcase their culinary skills and for the school community to celebrate the diversity of international cultures, from American, Chinese, European, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, to Thai.
This year the fair was held on October 12 against the backdrop of an extended period of monsoon rains and looming flood crisis, which kept a lot of the participating parents and organizing staff on edge. Miraculously, a pocket of bright and sunny weather stretched from the Tuesday before the event day to right up after the midday of the Wednesday, which cleared up all the worries and nervousness, and set the stage for a bright start of the festive event. The honorable presence of the Head of School, Deputy Head, School Manager, Campus Minister, section principals, and principals from the RIST and 18
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The International Food Fair is one of the many exciting events of the RIS School. It is traditionally an annual fundraising activity, and has now become the signature event of the RIS Parent Auxiliary.
the Swiss Section at the opening ceremony had surely Team to janitors, for providing logistics and security livened up the atmosphere, a vivid display of we are support and clean-up service to the function. Lastly, one big family in RIS. the PA has to applaud the generosity and contributions from all the parents, faculty members, and staff of the Same as previous years, crowds were seen all along the RIS, RIST, and Swiss Section-- without any of you, the breezeways, enjoying food and watching student shows. whole event would have been diminished. A total amount of 192,738 Baht was generated from donations and food sales for this year. The funds will At the end it was this spirit as a team and as one family be used on projects to support the various student and for us to savor and to bring home, together with the parent activities in the school, for example, Nationality food. The PA believes that with strong support from Days celebration, food and drinks at Games Days, and parents and every stakeholder, the International Food seminars or workshops for parents, and to enhance RIS Fair is an excellent platform to exemplify that the student welfare, such as expanding the facilities of the school, parents, and students can work together to school libraries. achieve higher goals. The PA would firstly have to thank all the participating parents for their time and hard work in food preparations as well as helping out in the food sales. We are proud of all the student performers and their coaching teachers who have worked zealously to put up a marvelous schedule to showcase our students’ talents. We are thankful to the school, from members of the Admin
The rain came back right after the school day finished. With this amazing touch from the weather, the International Food Fair had finally ended with another year of great success. Thank you again and see all of you in the next event. Parent Auxiliary Executive Committee 2011-2012 AD Astra Volume 2 December 2011
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RIS Student Voices on the Floods
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s part of their on-line learning during the flood crisis, Ms. Torie’s Grade 8 classes, and Ms. Paige Prescott’s Grade 11 IB Biology students blogged about the disaster, sharing their observations and personal experiences. A sample of those blog entries are featured below. As long as the flood is still here, we will still be here to help you. --Jane (8-4)
Before my family decided to move to Pattaya, a loud siren was released in my neighborhood, which meant we needed to evacuate and move to a safer place. The whole family was in a panic, and we packed our bags furiously. We moved everything to the second floor. The whole family was ready to go, but we couldn’t leave my dog, Felix, behind. We had to put him in a cage and bring him along. On the way out of our neighborhood, I saw water gushing out of the drainage. After two stressful hours, we arrived in Pattaya and hurried to a vet. I wasn’t fond of the idea of leaving Felix in the vet for a month, but that was the only reasonable option. --Matthia (8)
I think the following quote is remarkably true, “คนไทยไม่ทิ้งกัน.” It means Thai people will never give up on one another. --Nid (11) Even though the water in my aunt’s office barely reaches the knee level, the amount of damage it can cause is massive. The office furniture is covered with mold and cannot be cleaned, and the contaminated floodwater pollutes the air within buildings. Sometimes, It was hard to believe that something that seems so opening windows and doors can help increase airflow; miniature like water can join and become so immense however, this is not the case in buildings with windows that it changes people’s life drastically, including me. that cannot be opened. This causes the problem to last In just two days the interior of my house was immersed longer than most people would anticipate. My aunt’s in water to around the height of my ankle. When office clearly demonstrates how the flooding can I journeyed back to the house to get my clothes and affect the economy in Thailand, or even worldwide. belongings for school, I was very surprised. The house Her company was forced to shut down for more than looked like a sea of sewage water, everything outside of 3 weeks, resulting in loss and shortage of product. the house was a wreck, and the plants had no chance of Since some of the businesses in Thailand are affected surviving. By this time I could feel the tremendous lost by this flood crisis, the flow of the Thai economy is that everyone who was affected by the flood felt. getting slower as there are shortages of products, such --Eye (8) as hard drives, more than 60% of which are produced in Thailand and exported worldwide. --Oat (11)
Personal Experiences
Thoughts Innovations in Times ofonCrisis
If I could help reduce flood damage, I would invent a machine that would heat the water up and make it evaporate. This way the water in the river would not overflow and everything would return to normal. --TR (8) 20
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In my opinion, the most useful innovation so far is the floating toilet. Without floating toilets, the majority of affected people would be forced to release their waste into the water, causing the water to be even more polluted than it already is. With polluted water, diseases come; with diseases, there is a huge possibility for the death rate relating to flood to increase dramatically. --Pim (8)
My favorite flood-era innovation is the doggy life jacket, made of empty plastic bottles. Plastic bottles have been a problem for a long time, producing a great amount of waste nearly impossible to destroy. Reusing used material helps reduce waste. Doggy life jackets are inexpensive, easy to produce and reduce waste. --Kate (8)
Caring in Needand Helping Those
My friends and I wanted to show that we care, so we decided to attend “Wipe the Tide,” a movement to invade Bangkok’s major traffic intersections and clean car windshields to raise funds for flood victims and to help rebuild the devastated areas. We think this is a great activity to have fun and help at the same time, where anyone can join. Tiger (8)
I am making a difference and helping the flood victims makes it all worth the while. The whole group totaled around 150 people, and it took about an hour to count and arrange the money we collected. Waiting outside the bank, everyone was excited, anticipating the total amount of cash we raised for the flood victims. Finally, a representative from the organization foundation declared that in all we raised approximately 300,000 baht! Everyone was celebrating and congratulating each other for a job well done. I was proud of the 4 hours that I donated in order to contribute to this good cause. --Rafael (11) My friends and I went to Chulalongkorn University to volunteer. A lot of teenagers went that day because it was in a university. They brought in famous singers to hold donation boxes and we got to take pictures with them. When I went into the big hall, I was shocked, as I had never seen an image like that before: massive piles of rescue bags, sacks of rice and other materials. Stations had been set up around the hall in a U shape. Volunteers lined up and started at one end of the U, carrying a big plastic bag. We followed the line around the U, collecting items at each station. Finally at the end of the U, there were another group of volunteers sitting and waiting to tie up the finished bags. Once we were done with one bag, we had to line up all over again. It only took 35 minutes for 1000 bags to be packed because there were so many people helping. Everyone was helping with smiles on their faces. It was a big experience for me. I was very happy and felt very warm hearted after helping out that day. --Pinky (11)
Due to this tragedy all over Thailand, my family donated money and I helped pack basic food supplies (rice, dry fruits, tissue, noodles) and water for the villagers in Lam Lukka. My family decided to go to India to stay safe and celebrate Diwali, but after I came back to Bangkok, I helped again with packing. Over 56 people helped pack for 500 people! I hope that my efforts have helped. --Manasi (8) On November 6, a Sunday I set out with a group of seniors to help volunteer for “Wipe the Tide” in Central World. We worked in small groups of threes for over four hours; it was hard and tiring work but knowing that AD Astra Volume 2 December 2011
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ES Students Open Their Hearts to Flood Victims in the Community
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he Elementary School Junior Council exhibited both their leadership skills and a strong sense of caring by identifying a local community to support in the wake of the floods. The group of 17 student leaders took a field trip to a flood-stricken klong community off Soi 184 in early December to enquire how they might be able to help.
“This Service Learning has been a great learning experience for the JC as the leaders of the school,” said Sister Mary-Rose, who organized the initiative. Sister Mary Rose was involved in organizing a picnic for the 120 families living in the community. “This is to be an initiative to get to know our community, and to show that we are a caring community, Union of Hearts,” she said. Outfitted in their navy and rainbow JC vests, the group of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders walked along the concrete sidewalks running parallel to homes that have been partially submerged in flood waters for 2 - 3 months now. They passed a playground that was partway under water, met with leaders at the local mosque and interviewed residents about their experiences, and what they needed most.
decided to organize a collection in the elementary school, aimed at gathering basic supplies the community needs. Items include clothes, books, toys, bottled water and mama noodles. The council presented their plan to the elementary school to both educate their peers about those who continue to suffer from the disaster and to appeal for their help. “Our students were wonderful,” agreed Randy Merker, ES Science Coordinator and an advisor to the JC. “They were respectful, inquisitive, compassionate, and behaved with maturity.”
Back in October, ES religion students worked together to organize a fundraiser for flood victims. They raised 14,000 baht, 4,000 of which went to the Chiengmai community and the other to a neighboring Muslim Based on their interviews and observations, the JC village. 22
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ES Art Classes Recycle Sand Bags
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fter the threat of the floods subsided, many people wondered what to do with their stacks of sand bags. ES Art Assistant Weena had a fabulous idea. She suggested repurposing the sand bags in the ES Art classroom. Ms. Andrea loved the idea, too. After lugging in a few sand bags, the teachers showed students how to use sand to weigh down the clay bobble heads they’d created. A perfect match!
MS Introduces Standards Based Report Cards
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his year, the RIS Middle School has been working towards creating a better report card, one that will better communicate student learning and progress to both students and parents. With this goal in mind, the RIS Middle School decided to examine how we could improve our presentation of information to our shareholders. Teachers, students and parents will all have input into the new report card, in the hopes that everyone will be better able to use them to guide student learning.
At the first talk, we presented our plans to parents, and showed them some basic differences between the current report card and our planned Standards Based report card. At the second coffee talk, we asked parents to look at three different sample report cards, and describe what they liked and did not like about each format. Hopefully, as we plan and lay out our version of a standards -based report card, we can accommodate The Middle School created a most parents and include a Standards Based Report Card committee, which majority of the likes and cut out the dislikes. meets about once a month. On this committee are representatives from each of the grade level teams, Our current timeline has us looking at math and and from each of the core content areas, as well as science first, with LA and SS following in the spring. members of the administrative team. The group meets One of the reasons that this transition to standards to set goals and discuss how those goals can be met. based reporting is so difficult, while at the same time incredibly rewarding, is that we are forced to examine Two parent coffee talks focused on standards based at what we are teaching, and how we are reporting it reporting have been held so far, with more planned. with an effort on improvement. AD Astra Volume 2 December 2011
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Grade 6 Reflections on the Floods
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pon returning from our recent school closure, many students were asked to reflect on their experiences during the flood, and the resulting writing that some teachers collected was very revealing, and often filled with emotion. Following below are some of the responses received when sixth grade students were asked what they learned from or about their family during this scary, real life adventure. Many people had a LOT of difficulties during the flood. Children acted a lot differently than their parents. --Nacha, YoonYu, and Tiger
Protecting our houses became our top priority. We got so tired from watching the news. It was very stressful. What foods are going to be safe? Will the water keep rising? This flood is not going to pass by easily! Our Moms, Dads and families were just trying to --Best and Group help and protect us. We were very nervous because we did not know when the water would arrive, and Our parents were really worried about our safety. how bad it would be. But some of us were enjoying Staying clean and avoiding the floodwater became the break from school! very important. We had to wash ourselves a lot more --Link, Pingpong, Mimi, Gina, Roy, and Ernst often, and more carefully. We had to be very careful about the water we were drinking. This was the worst flood in fifty years. Many people --Maek, Nono, Justin, Boom and Kendo suffered without food or clean water. The water rose so high that furniture had to be moved upstairs, and We had to always watch for dangerous wild animals, cars had to park on the bridges. like snakes and crocodiles, that were trying to --Natalie, Bella, Jenny and Naam avoid the flood. We had to look after our pets more carefully to keep them safe too. We had to prepare for the flood. We had to stay --Dianne, Jaosua, and Khaimook alert! --Ping and Pun And probably one of the best parts of their learning We had to gather food, like noodles, tuna, milk, in all of the frightening events… water, and juice. Sometimes we had to eat food that • Help people who are stuck in the flood. we didn’t like. (Dianne) --Tejas, Beek, and Omkar • Share food and drinks with those who don’t have any. (Jean) People put sandbags in front of their houses to stop • We learned to help people by giving food and the water from coming in. Candles and lighters were other things needed to survive. (Gayathri) prepared for power failures. People used plastic and foam boats to get around and to save their cars. Sixth grade students learned a lot about how difficult --TJ, Jin, Jason, and Mille it is to survive a natural disaster. Hopefully they won’t have to see this again for a very long time! We had to really pay attention to our use of electricity. We did not want to be electrocuted. --Saumya and Khaimook 24
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Helping Those in Need
n response to the devastation caused by the recent flooding, RIS initiated a collection drive in order to purchase much needed rice, water, dry foods and supplies to those in need. We are pleased to report were under water, preventing us from delivering our that donations totaled 83,823 baht. We would like supplies. But as soon as the roads opened up, we were to express our sincere gratitude to all of the RIS and on our way. RIST students, faculty and their families, On Monday, December 5, Ms. Shirley along with the Leo RIS Club, who made Gamble, six seniors and 15 members this possible. Members of the Sueb of our janitorial and classified staff Sampantawong Church (Mrs. Lincy’s represented RIS and personally delivered church) also donated an additional supplies with the help of Phu Yai Baan 16,100 baht and joined us in purchasing Wanchai of Moo 5 Municipality to needed supplies. over 100 needy families in Tombol Thong Ane, Amphur Inburi, Singburi We selected to help the hometown of Province. HS janitor Khun Pramote Butrnark by delivering the survival goods to his suffering community. Although we were ready to make Being able to help the local people in need was a our contribution in October, the flooding situation heartfelt experience for all of us. Once again, thank worsened and many of the roads and highways you, we couldn’t have done it without you!
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RIS & RIST Teachers Show Compassion Many RIS teachers have responded to the floods with caring hearts by volunteering with the Red Cross, the Wipe the Tide movement and other relief efforts. Red Cross Report
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Jillian Nichols
hile awaiting the floods, my husband and I decided that instead of sitting around our house, that we should volunteer our time in whatever way we could. We had heard from other colleagues at RIS who had previously volunteered (Allison Brinkerhoff and Emily Putnam), that it was easy to go to the Thai Red Cross headquarters downtown and volunteer. So, one sunny weekday morning my husband (Benjamin Miller) and I, along with some friends (Katharine Mitchell and two teachers who work at the Swiss Section: Daniela Bosch and Yvonne) arrived at Red Cross headquarters ready to help out. After receiving our nametags, we were briefed on the day’s options. We could either stay at headquarters and pack flood relief bags, or we could climb aboard a giant Red Cross truck and go to a flooded community to pass out the bags directly to those in need. 26
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We chose the latter option, and without a second thought climbed atop a dump truck packed high with flood relief bags. Sitting on top of the truck, we drove away from downtown Bangkok, heading north towards the flooded communities surrounding Don Muang. As we approached our volunteer destination, we passed Thai people continuing to carry out their daily routines as best as possible by boat. Our day consisted of unpacking trucks filled with flood relief essentials and repacking them into boats that went directly to those in need. We each had the opportunity to also go out by boat with the Thai police and Thai Red Cross workers, and distribute flood relief bags to individuals who were flooded in their homes. The streets in these neighborhoods were now all canals, yet the people we encountered still had the signature Thai smiles on their faces and were incredibly appreciative of everything that was being done to help them.
Local Community Sister Minh
“The last few weeks our community, the sisters of the Holy Rosary and several teachers, have joined a government-organized volunteer group of putting meals together to deliver to people in flooded areas. We have heard many stories from the community. They are very appreciative and grateful for what we’ve done for them.”
On return to Bangkok, we noticed people who had converted a bicycle maintenance shop into one that welds boats from scrap metal for those in need of transportation. We also saw a group of men pull out a jet ski. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to see it in action, but both my husband and I were spellbound by the resilience and grace of which the Thai people were making the best out of a disastrous situation.
Swiss section teachers Daniela and Yvonne helped deliver supplies to flood victims in the Tonburi area. Daniela described their experience: “Given the situation, it was quite stunning to see how calm people were. We were in one village, on a truck, going house to house to deliver goods. People waded out to meet us. Outside one house, one dog even swam after his owner to the truck.” AD Astra Volume 2 December 2011
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Flood Art
As part of their online learning, HS Art students in Cindy Hopkins’s classes responded to the flood crisis by creating art.
Patty
Knight Bogey 28
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Anchalee Almanya
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RIS Hanoi Trip
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n November 9 -13, 2011, students from Grade 8 - 12 French classes visited the United Nations International School of Hanoi and several cultural places to observe various French influence and practice their French language skills.
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Mimio in the Math Classroom
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hat do Ms. Judy, Mr. Ben and Ms. ZM all have in common? Aside from all three being middle school math teachers, they are all utilizing Mimio Interactive Whiteboards to improve classroom instruction. The Mimio is a 45cm long sensor bar that is attached to an existing whiteboard and is connected through a USB cord to the teacher’s computer. The sensor bar scans the plane of the whiteboard face, and can tell when the teacher is writing on the board. The teacher in fact is not writing on the board, but instead is putting pressure on the board using the Mimio’s stylus pen. The pen’s movements are recorded in whatever computer application is opened up on the teacher’s computer. So what can we do with a Mimio that we can’t do with an old fashioned whiteboard? For one, since you aren’t actually writing with dry erase ink, there is nothing to erase. You are actually writing what is known as an ink layer. When finished with one page of notes, you simply move on to the next page of your lesson. And since your Mimio is linked to your computer, you can load prepared notes in any format and write over top of the notes. Aside from the clean display that your lessons with have because they are created digitally, students will appreciate the fact that you can save your lessons with your ink
layer. Your notes could then be uploaded to your website or emailed to students directly. The Mimio may be a way for teachers to get the best of both worlds in terms of instructional techniques. Some teachers like using computer applications, but don’t like to be stuck behind the desk. The Mimio lets you control your computer while standing at the board. Some teachers like to write information down during class, but don’t like having to erase the entire whiteboard every five minutes. The Mimio will let you prepare notes ahead of time, write what you want, and quickly move to the next slide or page without having to stop class to erase. In any case, a Mimio will be a step forward in making lessons more appealing to the eye and more stimulating for our learners.
Q) How is a Mimio different from a Smartboard? A) A Smartboard has pressure sensors built into the board. This means that one could write on the board with a finger if they chose to do so. Mimio does not have a special board; you use your existing dry erase board. Smartboards are also approximately ten times the price of a Mimio and require a difficult hardware installation. Installation of a Mimio sensor bar takes less than a minute. Q) Does a Mimio work with my old PowerPoints? A) Yes, and it will work with most other software such as Word, Smart Notebook, and Internet browsers. Remember that we are writing an ink layer overtop of the image. Q) How many Mimios does the school have? A) I believe that the middle school has purchased three and all of those are currently checked out. 32
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New Athletics Field Ready for Play
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istoric floods have devastated many parts of Thailand, but come rain or shine RIS moved ahead with the school’s plan to install a state of the art synthetic turf on campus. The 12 million baht field raises the benchmark for athletics at RIS and sets the stage for years of Phoenix wins.
RIS is the first school in Thailand to build a artificial sports field using Infillpro Geo technology. InfillPro Geo is a unique natural infill, composed of organic fibres that guarantee better technical and sporting performances. Fully certified by respective environmental and safety agencies, the the eco friendly field uses coconut husks and cork filling. Unlike most schools with artificial turfs filled with rubber pellets, the field absorbs less heat which allows students to play comfortably amid Bangkok’s warm climate.
The RIS community can now enjoy a professional experience right on campus with a turf that meets the highest FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) standard, which is the world standard used amongst professionals.
Safety is another benefit of the field’s Italian technology, which eliminates the risk of abrasions and RIS’s new turf is a site for sore eyes and allows other injuries caused by falls or slides. In addition, the students to excel in the athletics department all year organic infill plant guarantees the stability of athletes’ round! Let the games begin! feet, while providing an authentic natural grass field experience.
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RIS Golf Team, #1 in SE ASIA
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ongratulations to the RIS Phoenix Golf Team, champions of the 2011 SEASAC Golf Championship, hosted November 24 - 25 by Garden International School in the stunning city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The tournament took place at the exclusive Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSC), established in 1884. With a backdrop of the Petronas Towers and a cityscape like no other, nine international schools participated in the golf championship. Throughout the two-day competition the golf course and the weather were both superlative. The Phoenix Golf Team had ten student golfers playing in the championship. Their nicknames and grade levels are: Grade 7: Game Grade 8: Now, Frame, Sun Grade 9: Nat Grade 10: Pear, Fern Grade 12: Pom, Collin, Yang 34
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After the second and final day of the championship the Phoenix Golf team had played well enough to win both the boys and girls SEASAC Golf Team Competitions! Below is a list of all the awards and trophies brought back to RIS/RIST from our amazing student golfers! • 1st Place SEASAC Boys (Game, Nat, Pom, Yang) • 1st Place SEASAC Girls (Pear, Frame) • Pear - Phoenix Girls MVP, Ladies Long Drive (265yds), 1st place Low Gross Score (74 + 75)! • Nat - Phoenix Boys MVP, 2nd place Low Gross Score (79 + 76) • Fern - 2nd place Handicap Competition, Net Score (71+ 61) • Sun - 2nd place Handicap Competition, Net Score (33+ 28) • Collin - 1st Pace Handicap Competition, Net Score (28+32)
RIS Water Polo Team Wins BISAC Championship
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he Varsity Water Polo team scored their first BISAC victory in water polo in the u19 division. They played a hard fought battle against the very physical BPS Tiger Sharks. The Phoenix team kept their patience and kept to their game plan. With perseverance and a few lucky breaks, they won 11-10 in the final 20 seconds of the game. Additionally, this was the first year that RIS fielded a Junior Varsity u16 team. The JV team also fought hard against the more experienced BPS squad, and earned 2nd place in the tournament.
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Season 1 Wrap-Up S eason 1 sports 2011 for Ruamrudee and indeed for much of the Bangkok community will no doubt be the focus of many discussions in the next few months and probably for years to come. Close to home, many months of planning for SEASAC Championships, especially the Boys Football scheduled to be at RIS on our wonderful new artificial turf field, needed to be put aside for this season. Football for girls at NIST as well as Volleyball at BPS will show up as cancelled in the SEASAC History books. The only Season 1 SEASAC sports event completed was held at the prestigious Royal Selangor Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We will certainly remember this event since our talented group of 10 golfers brought home both the male and female championship trophies along with many other awards. (See Walter’s article). Big thanks to Head Coach Walter Koertge and Chaperone Jane “Dee” Phillips for accompanying the students and their 36
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supportive parents on this highly successful mission. Thanks also to Joei and Shirley Gamble for their assistance in planning the trip.
RIS teams were able to compete in BISAC events which took place prior to our October break and the ensuing flood disaster. Noi Penpoo guided her U19 Volleyball Ladies to a Silver medal at EIS while husband Komson finished in 5th with the boys at BPS. U19 Boys Football under Coach Andrew Silvis took home the bronze medals from their visit to Harrow while Jillian Nichols and her girls finished in 5th spot. Coaches David Fuller and Craig Molla participated in cross country at ISB with 6 athletes. Our U13 A Tennis Team under coach Mark managed to finish 5th during their time at BPS. Water Polo, a sport new to BISAC, drew in two participating schools for this inaugural season and they traded Gold and Silver medals. Kevin Leinbach and his squad captured the U19 Championship title, leaving BPS
with the Silver. Co-coaches Pascale Thomas and Torie Leinbach secured Silver medals for their U16 team, allowing BPS the Championship. It is always nice to see new sports introduced into any organization and hopefully Water Polo will become a permanent fixture on the BISAC Calendar. Once school opened on Nov 21, our U13 Boys Tennis B Team managed a 4th place finish at BPS on Nov 26. BPS also hosted the U13 Singles event and despite our top two seeds being unable to participate, we did have four entries, one of which managed to make it into the knockout round. Thanks to coaches Sorrachet Uayporn (Arm) and Karin Tinmana (Mark) for their work with our young tennis players. Circumstances dictated that RIS teams were unable
to compete this 2011 Season 1 in: Basketball – U11/U13/U15; U17 Volleyball; U17 Football.
Thanks to our coaches and parents during this “incomplete” season and of course to our athletes who no doubt experienced some frustration and disappointment with Mother Nature. Without watching the news or assisting with flood relief projects, it is difficult to imagine the full extent of the crisis which hit Bangkok and Thailand and in particular, each of member of the RIS community. The sheer number of people and areas affected plus the fatalities across Thailand is almost unbelievable. December marks the beginning of Season 2 invitational competitions with Aquatics at BPS Dec 3-4, then ISB 10-11. Head coach Sathit Hongtong will be accompanied by Kevin Leinbach, Jane “Dee” Phillips and Galon Melendy for both of these weekend events. Touch Rugby coaches Steve Williams & Tommy Bohorquez will be leading their squads in the Falcon Touch Rugby Friendship Tournament hosted by
NIST on the evening of Dec 9. Cricket is now on our campus with Head Coach Paul Robinson holding the first team practice with his group of 10 lads the last day of November. RIS has a team entered in the annual invitational event at BPS, Jan 21-22, 2012. Other sports being offered for Season 2 at RIS include Basketball: U19 Raha Mortel, David Herold; U17 Tim Mitchell, Onsa Saleenuan; Football: U15 Boys Komson Penpoo; U13 Lynn Bantley, Jillian Nichols; U11 Boys Prapohj; U19 Tennis Mark Tinmanee, Arm Uayporn. Golf continues with Walter Koertge, Michael Wilson. Plans are fully underway for Season 2 SEASAC events. Head negotiator Brian Benson and his “staff” are traveling to BISJ in Jakarta for the
MUN conference while here at home Artistic Director Darren Scully and the Arts Department are busy preparing to host the 2012 SEASAC Festival on our very own recently beautified campus. Meanwhile, our other traveling SEASAC events include Touch Rugby in Jakarta and Tennis in Singapore. Basketball will be held here in Bangkok with Boys at BPS and Girls at NIST. Another Invitational event we are quite excited about is the invitational FOBISSEA Golf tournament hosted by Jerudong International School and held in the Kingdom of Brunei. The 19 member crew, including coaches Michael Wilson, Walter Koertge and chaperone Katharine Mitchell will be traveling January 26-30. Interestingly enough it is being held in honor of my birthday weekend. For current information on our sports program, please check out our Athletics link on the RIS home page. We include SEASAC and BISAC Schedules, games, tournaments, team photos and current events. Remember, if it’s not on the Website, it’s not happening! We hope to see you at some of the events happening on our campus in 2012. For any further information or if you have any questions, please contact me. AD Astra Volume 2 December 2011
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istening to the RIS Jazz Band perform from their broad repertoire of jazz standards, one can’t help snapping and swaying along with the saxophones and trumpets, trombones and keyboards, drums, guitars and bass guitar. The band, comprised of 20 Middle and High School students, cover a musical landscape ranging from “Moon River” to “Give Me Some Loving.” “With jazz, a band can play so many different contemporary styles, everything from the blues to reggae and pop,” said Robert Boer, MS Band Teacher and Jazz Band Director. “The Jazz Band creates a wonderful atmosphere. The instruments form a beautiful
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combination of sounds which students Cross fundraising event. The band find really appealing.” plans to book a similar performance for a venue in downtown Bangkok Whether they’re playing bebop and for second semester. swing, fusion or pop, the group draws in audiences with performances at the “Playing trumpet with the band is International Food Fair and end of a great way for me to combine my term concerts, as well as an occasional hobby and interest in jazz with the lunchtime gig in the HS Breezeway. opportunity to interact with students outside the classroom,” said MS “One great advantage at Ruamrudee Principal Andy Westerman, who is that our musicians are quite good plays trumpet with the band, along at reading music,” said Robert, who with MS Art Teacher, Walter joined his first jazz band at age 15. Koertge, on drums. “We’re able to focus on other key elements of jazz band, such as playing Listening to Andy, Walter and in balance, exploring styles and even Robert share their enthusiasm for improvising.” jazz band is almost as lively as listening to the 20-member band Twice a year the RIS band joins other jump into a lively rendition of school bands from across the region for “Minnie the Moocher.” intensive music camps. These camps, Robert says, help build spirit and new “Brain research shows that playing friendships, in addition to enhancing an instrument carries over into other students’ appreciation of jazz and disciplines,” Andy said. “There’s advancing their skill levels. also a lifelong component to playing an instrument…it’s something kids Last year the RIS Jazz Band performed will enjoy throughout their lives.” at the Royal Paragon Hall for a Red
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