RIS AD ASTRA - SUCCESS REDEFINED by Ruamrudee International School Bangkok

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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 1,500 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

Graphics design/layout:

Sornchai Pongheamwattana

coordinator:

Sasiwimon Champathong

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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

5 Message from the School Chaplain 35 POEM aBOuT HOW JESuS Father Leo Travis DIED 6 Message from the Editor Sister Minh Sudha Maroli 36 Middle School Mosaic 7 Buddhist Roof Over Roman Pillars Masterpieces & artists in Sid Ratnaswamy action Club 8 RIS Celebrates the Grand Opening of Supisaranee Eksathien &

the Thai Language and Culture Center Sudarat Tanattanawin 10 Teacher Jane’s Legacy of Learning Dr. Peter Toscano 12 The Griffith Library at RIS Dr. Grier Rivers 13 RIS Hosts SENIT 2013 Jillian Nichols 14 Interact Club Helps Habitat for Humanity 16 Symphony of Life Trip 2012-13 Nichapa Srisuk 18 MCSR CLuB TRIP 20 Mangrove Planting Nichapa Srisuk 21 Traditional Thai Herbal Massages The HS Thai Department 22 Sarnelli Thai Reading Camp Meetings Nichapa Srisuk 23 Child Labor Project 23 Fr. Ray’s Foundation visited the Canvas of Hearts club at RIS Nud Nantavaropas 24 Eco-Merits Club Tanapun (Dao) Chaikulngamdee 26 Non Fiction Writing Toni Boush 27 ES Student Learning Portfolios 28 ES SCIENCE SHOW CaSE 2013 30 ES GaMES DaY 31 ES TaLENT SHOW STaR KID 32 Mathivation Originator Returns to RIS Judye Byrum 33 PI DaY Robert Ledlie 34 7th Grade aspiring authors Share Their Storybooks with the ES

Walter G. Koertge III 37 Middle School Medieval Castle Defense Design 38 MS THaI HIGHLIGHTS Pongsatorn Kaewngam 40 POSTER 41 MS GaMES DaY 42 MS TaLENT SHOW 43 Celebrate Japanese New Year Megumi Furuya 44 Class of 2013 46 MEET THE auTHOR “Chart Korbjiti” The HS Thai Department 47 Thai Class Reflection Waralee Kaewkoon 48 Drama Day Semester II 2013 49 RIS Drama Students attended the Theatre Production, ‘Blithe Spirit’ 50 GRIMM tales Sharmellia Shornakay Shand 52 Greetings Sports Fans Gerry Steiert 55 HS TaLENT SHOW 56 TEaCHER TaLENT SHOW 57 DEPaRTING TEaCHER QuOTES 64 EaRTH WEEK ExTRavaGaNza (EWE) Anneliese ZM 66 The Life of Thai Border Patrol Police : What You Might Not Know 66 RIS Faculty Fundraise for Education Jillian Nichols

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uamrudee International School has a “Peace Pole”. It stands in a very prominent spot in the middle of our High School-Middle School garden. “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in sixteen different languages is announced on our Peace Pole. Paths lead up to it from all directions giving convenience to our students to read it as they pass by, or while they sit restfully on the benches. as they see the message in their own language they know that RIS is reminding them to pray “May Peace Prevail on Earth”. Mrs. Helen Mack brought this idea to our school about 12 years ago. She was assistant Principal of our High School from year 2000 until 2003. She was anxious to have this symbol of Peace be a permanent reminder for us to pray for our world, so often torn by war or terrorism. On the day we blessed this Peace Pole the whole RIS community gathered around in the garden ready to participate. Children and some teachers dressed in their native garments. One by one they went to the microphone and announced the name of their country, and prayed. as an example : “May Peace Prevail in Thailand”. all in attendance responded in unison and loudly “May Peace Prevail on Earth”. Recognizing country after country as named by a student, the same response rang out in prayer “May Peace Prevail on Earth”. It was a very joyful celebration. We all felt that we had done something very meaningful and important for the happiness of peoples all over the globe. Jesus prayed for peace with his apostles. His frequent greeting was “Peace be with you”. When he was announcing the Beatitudes he said “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be children of God”. He also gave his blessing to the poor and to the poor in spirit, to the meek and merciful. He also blessed those who mourn for they shall be comforted. This whole vision became part of Catholic prayer. St. Francis of assisi put this teaching into verse that is very well known around the world in churches, prayer groups and choirs “Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love.” It is interesting that prayers and verses spoken two thousand years ago and put into Bible importance, would be powerful prayers in our need now in 2013. Each morning at our RIS assembly we prayer to our Heavenly Father ..”Thy Kingdom come”. Yes,. a Kingdom of peace and caring, a kingdom of love and forgiveness. May Peace Prevail on Earth. God bless you. Father Leo Travis C.Ss.R. School Chaplain

uccess is an eternal quest and how each of us defines success is ever evolving. This volume of aD astra redefines the concept of success as it is witnessed this year. Heart-warming stories capture the very essence of determination, resilience, faith, and the emotions of the moment. at RIS, accomplishments are seen not as individual endeavors. as affirmed in the many articles on community service, RIS truly believes that success should benefit humanity as a whole. My own personal theory is conceived and endowed by what I have learnt from students and faculty over time: success is about seizing the moment, being inspired and motivated, modeling character even during the moments of vulnerability. Most importantly I have learnt that failures can become our greatest teacher. as a senior administrator, I ground myself with this thought promulgated by Thomas a. Edison, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Though the implied meaning of success is usually based on societal norms of acquiring, winning, and achieving, history has repeatedly demonstrated to us, through the accomplishments of luminaries like Darwin, Freud, and Marie Curie, that success is a journey and not a destination. “Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. Courage is what counts.” ~ Sir Winston Churchill until we meet again next year,

Sudha Maroli Deputy Head of School

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Buddhist Roof Over Roman Pillars RIS alumnus, Sid Ratnaswamy is a MBa graduate from Yale university. at present he works at a multinational bank in New York.

o the extent I have accomplished anything of significance in a global context, a lot is attributable to the time I spent at Ruam Rudee International school. I suspect however, the reasons why I feel so much is owed to RIS may surprise most people. Most assert, correctly so, that to excel professionally in a global corporation, an international background is of paramount importance. When people try and decompose my success at large, multi-national banks…they look at the fact I went to a private school in Bangkok with world class teachers and a rigorous american curriculum and think “that explains his academic pedigree and his ability to work with people from many different backgrounds”. What they do not realize is that I consider the academic rigor and cognitive training I received at Rumarudee as only half of the necessary ingredients I needed to achieve what I have thus far. Those ingredients alone simply make RIS a good school. What makes RIS a great school, the thing that most people will not grasp unless they are an intimate part of Ruamrudee’s ecosystem, is the other half - Compassion. It is my opinion (what little it is worth) that to truly be a great business leader…especially one in a multi-cultural context, you need to be able to care and empathize with people. One needs to understand why

By Sid Ratnaswamy

different people do different things, differentiate between the words people speak and the message they are trying to convey. Caring is innate, if one argues that people are not born with the desire to “care” then it is certainly learned at a very young age. However, the ability to empathize and be compassionate is a taught phenomenon, character traits that is just for 1 year” for the next 10 years need constant reinforcement till they of their lives. are part of your social DNa. Yes, Ruam Rudee is a good school, as at Ruamrudee it is understood that the a parent your child will benefit from a people who founded the school, the solid academic curriculum. But if all Redemptorists priests have literally you are looking for in your child is to dedicated their lives to RIS did so develop his or her cognitive abilities, out of love, care and compassion… then I argue that it is but one of many not profit seeking. Their message to good schools before you. students is evident from the moment they step foot onto campus - “This is The fact is, I remember Raumrudee as the house of God. We have built it out a great school. One that produced an of love…and we have built this for alumnus who often uses his cognitive you”. learnings to make the correct decision but always reverts to his learned The theme of compassion, while very compassion to try and make the nuanced, continues to manifest itself “right” decision. in many different ways. From the way the original Catholic Church was Please understand, I do not make built…with Roman pillars supporting any claim to being a great being of a Buddhist roof. From the many school compassion. But what compassion sponsored trips to aIDS hospices I am capable of, that key ingredient and orphanages. and not the least of I owe so much of what I have which, from the many teachers who accomplished, I owe to a great leave far more “lucrative” lives in school. the uS, australia and other countries to come teach at Ruam Rudee. The a school where cognition and same teachers who tell themselves “It compassion never parted ways. AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

RIS Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Thai Language and Culture Center

The Thai Department is pleased to announce the opening of our Thai Language and Culture Center, the first of its kind at an international school in Thailand. By Sudarat Tanattanawin

s a leader in education, the administration strives to support the vision of the government in positioning Thailand as an international education hub and model for creating and implementing knowledge-based practices. Thai Language and Culture, located at the Griffith Library, will focus on research pertaining to language and culture and as well as facilitate academic collaboration through

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conferences, seminars, and exchange programs. The center will establish a national network of educators, students, government and private sectors among aSEaN countries and the surrounding region. The grand opening event was presided by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, H.E. Pongthep Thepkarnjana, parents, students, community leaders,

government officials and academic representatives. The establishment of the Thai Center was made possible not only by the financial support provided by the Senior administration but also the commitment and energy from the Thai teachers, K. Trin, Dr. Peter, Dr. Grier and the library staff who were directly involved in the ground work of the center. Thank you to all who made this wonderful addition to RIS possible!

Thai Language and Culture Center

he Thai Language and Culture Department has delightedly had a grand opening of the Thai Language and Culture Center last month. This unique, exclusive center is located on the second floor of the Griffith Library. Students and teachers have been excited and engaged in preparation for the grand opening where a showcase of Thai traditional dance and music by the students were exhibited. Experiences from two performers...

Pornkamol Petdassada (Bream) Grade 12 performing Thai traditional dance

Kosethi Kwanchit (Bank) Grade 12 performing Thai traditional music

This has been an extraordinary opportunity for me to be able to perform as a special guest of this remarkable occasion. The dance is believed to be a blessing of prosperity, success and good fortune. Even though we had just one month to learn and practice, everything turned out pleasantly. Special thanks to Kru Lek for her hard work and dedication in making this show possible.

The group had only three weeks in advance to practice their Thai traditional instruments and we managed to work together and accomplished our goal in making music. The cooperation between all the musicians were strong and this has been an exceptional event for me in showing others our talents in music. Thanks you Kru Moo and the Thai Department for making this event possible and a success. AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Teacher Jane’s Legacy of Learning “If you possess enthusiasm for what you do, you can overcome anything,”

By Dr. Peter Toscano

n the evening of January 21st, 2013 former Ruamrudee International School alumni and administrators met in downtown Bangkok to fete Jane Ichajapanich, a multi-talented educator who began her career at RIS in the 60’s.

Thammasat university and the Bank of Thailand. She joined RIS in 1963 and taught French, English, and geography. She started a drama club that performed several Shakespearean productions, a French singing club, and ran the school magazine and yearbook.

Known as “Teacher Jane,” she was born in Canterbury, England, the land of Saint Thomas a Becket and Chaucer’s famous tales. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology and took her postgraduate degree in education at university College in London. Later she moved to Thailand after she married a Thai national. She always wanted to teach and started almost as soon as she arrived in Bangkok, teaching part time at a Thai school,

Her reputation grew throughout these years and when the school sought a replacement for Mother Superior as Head of the School, Mother Marie [Mother Provincial] went to Jane. Jane was not happy with the idea of leaving the classroom to become an administrator, however, Mother Marie convinced her to take the job and Jane finally agreed, as Mother had offered to arrange a change in the law that prohibited Thai children from attending

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international schools. Soon after, the law was repealed, which enabled Jane’s daughters to join the school, and in 1972 Jane became the first principal of Ruamrudee who was not also a nun. She was responsible for some significant changes over the years that aided in Ruamrudee’s growth into one of the top international schools in asia. She felt that although it was a very good school with a strong ethos, it needed to be brought into line with educational developments in Europe and the united States. at the same time she felt it crucial to preserve the well-established Christian atmosphere of a caring environment for both students and teachers, which has led to a flourishing worldwide alumni organization. Her first move was to change the school from a British to american curriculum, feeling that the British system was a bit too restrictive and exam-based. She then developed a departmental system that required syllabi from and for all teachers. This way they could collaborate to develop coherent units of study. She also began teacher appraisals, which she administered. They were based on student evaluations, teacher self-reflections and classroom observations. She sought interaction with and additional help – particularly in curriculum development - from the International School of Bangkok, which at that time was headed by Dr. Phillips.

In 1976, after 14 successful years in Thailand she returned home to the u.K where she met her present husband, Roy Withington, and continued her career in education with Headships at two different schools in England. She retired in 1997 and hasn’t stopped travelling since, Finally, due in a large part to these efforts, RIS was including stops on every continent, even antarctica. granted WaSC accreditation in 1974, one of the first 3 schools in the region to do so, and was now on its way to Her popularity as a teacher and principal continues to being recognized as a formidable academic institution. this day, not only has she been treated to a grand reunion In 1974, Father Travis, who was the Redemptorist here in Bangkok, but also to a previous event that was Provincial Head, sent her to the annual EaRCOS held in France. Conference, the first one that RIS ever attended. Concern for the school’s finances led her to ask vendors for as Jane’s legacy is twofold: She ushered in the modern era of many free textbooks as she could hold, and then asking educational innovation at RIS, but more importantly she friends from other schools to help carry the excess embodied Ruamrudee’s union of academic achievement weight load. and compassion, making her a role model for all her faculty and students. It’s amazing the amount of people at this time she also became president of the Youth she’s touched over the years, and when she says, “If you Treatment Center, a joint project of the Thai and u.S. possess enthusiasm for what you do, you can overcome Governments, which helped children face the reality anything,” it’s easy to see how her positive and caring of substance abuse, a growing problem due to war and attitude lit the way for all who were fortunate enough to rapid changes in society. be part of her time at Ruamrudee. AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

The Griffith Library at RIS: a Blend of Traditional and 21st Century Thinking

By Dr. Grier Rivers, Head Librarian

he Griffith Library at RIS serves the Middle School and High School populations, and has a general collection for students and parents, as well as professional resources to support teachers. When you enter the library, you know without a doubt that you are in place intended for serious academic pursuit. The library is filled with traditional study carrels, heavy wooden table and chairs, and approximately 40,000 books ranging from the literary classics to current nonfiction titles on cutting-edge topics such as genetics and environmental issues. Students typically gather in small groups to work on group projects, study for exams, or relax with a good magazine. In many ways, the Griffith Library resembles the school library we all grew up with.

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However, the careful observer will note that 21st century tools and technology have impacted the services provided by the Griffith Library. We are fully wired to support the school’s 1:1 laptop initiative, and it is typical to see our students reading a .pdf of a text on a laptop, e-reader, or even their smartphones. We offer printing, scanning, and copy services so students can present polished final products to their teachers. Our BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policy encourages students to use a wide range of technological tools to support their learning. On any given day, you can see students using handheld dictionaries and translations devices or multitasking on an iPhone by listening to music while taking pictures of a page from

a reference book. We even provide power bars and charging stations so students can keep their many devices charged and ready to go! The Griffith Library is not just a study center or a place to store books. It is also a giant classroom. Our mission is to collaborate with classroom teachers so that students learn how to use information efficiently and effectively. It is no secret that today’s students prefer an Internet search over reading an encyclopedia, or prefer to watch a YouTube video of a subject than listen to a teacher’s lecture. unfortunately, the reality is that while reams of information can now easily be delivered via technology, students do not always have the skills to search skillfully, filter out good information from

bad information, and organize their findings. That’s where the library plays a teaching role. We have a curriculum know as Information Literacy Skills. although the Griffith Library specifically follows the curriculum titled 21st Century Standards for Learning developed by the american association of School Librarians, we are teaching students the information literacy skills that are used by researchers the world over at all levels of education. The 21st Century Standards for Learning curriculum has four main goals for teaching students for using information in all of its formats. We want students to learn how to aCCESS information, EvaLuaTE it for accuracy and relevancy, aPPLY it to the task at hand, and REFLECT on the effectiveness and efficiency of their research skills. What’s ahead for the Griffith Library? We now have a Facebook page to take advantage of social media’s ability to quickly provide information to a wide and diverse audience. We have begun building an e-book collection that will be available in the 2013-2014 school year. We will begin to collaborate even more with the Language arts and Social Studies department in the High School so that students have more formal information literacy classes and more opportunities to develop their research skills. We are also working to promote reading for both Middle School and High School students by buying more books from best-seller lists, more graphic novels, and more nonfiction. If you haven’t stopped by the Griffith Library lately, come in and take a look around. You will see an interesting mix of the familiar and the future!

RIS Hosts SENIT 2013 By Jillian Nichols

n Friday, april 26th, 2013 Ruamrudee International School opened its doors to welcome Special Educators from across Thailand. The Special Needs department at RIS organized a day full of events as hosts of the SENIT meeting (The Special Education Network In Thailand, a local chapter of SENIa). RIS was privileged to host the SENIa (Special Education Network In asia) conference last school year over the course of 3 days in February. More than 30 teachers specifically trained and working in the field of Special Education attended from over 10 International Schools in Thailand, a few coming from as far as Chang Mai! The meeting covered a variety of topics in the field including: IEP documentation, Study Skills curriculum, Inclusion, ‘Best Practice’ interventions and Behavioral Management. Our very own Dr. Melanie Shafaat and Karli Kroning, both Special Educators in the Elementary School presented on “The a, B, C’s of Behavior” which they also had the opportunity of presenting at this past year’s SENIa conference hosted by Jakarta International School. Overall it was a positive day filled with pertinent discussions as how best to support the individual learning needs of students who have documented academic challenges.

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Interact Club Helps

Habitat for Humanity

very year members of the Interact Club, one of the largest and most active clubs in Ruamrudee International School, spend a large amount of time and effort fundraising for their hallmark event - building homes for families in need through the international organization Habitat for Humanity.

from the International School of Yangon, to work with the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The group members traveled to a small village just outside of Rayong, Thailand. The team was responsible for reconstructing six houses that were becoming decrepit from age and the effects of flooding. The days were spent mixing cement and sweating under back-breaking conditions. The team laid flooring, built walls, laid tile, and interacted with the local Muslim community. The reciprocal positivity between the students and the community was evident throughout the project.

Over the past year, 300,000 baht was raised through donations and various fundraising activities, such as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happytat Carnivalâ&#x20AC;? fun fair, bake sales, photo booths, t-shirt sales, and a haunted house for Halloween. One interact member, Wasinee Yana, managed to raise 24,090 baht alone through a fundraiser in elementary When we left Rayong, the residents and the students school. were both grateful for the shared experience. Six homes now firmly stand, able to support families in need. The From March 14-17, fifty-five members of Interact Club tremendous efforts of Ruamrudee students and everyone and Leo Club joined forces, along with fifteen students else involved made this outreach project a real success.

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Special thanks to: - First and foremost to all individuals who donated and contributed to this project - Ms. Trina Boyle and Mr. Daniel Hansson (Interact Rotary Club advisers) for their suggestions, time, organization, and passion. - The Interact Rotary Executive Team for sacrificing countless lunch breaks, planning, organizing and leading fundraisers and trips. - Interact and Leo club members and teachers from RIS and ISY - Mai, Thach and the Habitat for Humanity Staff for making this possible.

- Ms.Mary Hammerstein, Ms. Deneen Kozielski, Mr. Bob Sloyka and Mr. andy Marusak for watching over the young adults and contributing to all aspects of the work. - The homeowners, for being cooperative and friendly. For information on how you can donate next year please contact the RIS PR department at development@rism.ac.th

Symphony of Life Trip 2012-13 Building Check Dams at Phachi River in Ratchaburi Province

By Nichapa Srisuk Participants (40): - 36 students - 4 Chaperones (1/10 ratio according to of the Thai Law) Date: December 22-24, 2012 Club Advisor: Ms.Nichapa Srisuk (Kru Yui) Location: Phachi River Wildlife Conservatory ampur Suanpheung Ratchaburi Province

Objective:

as currently, flood is an issue that concerns various parts of Thailand, we see the importance of maintaining a status where there will be a sufficient amount of water to perform day-to-day activities whilst at the same time, remain less enough to prevent flood. Thus, as a water-related club, we believe that in building check dams, this status can be maintained. We have chosen our trip location to be in Ratchaburi as currently, it is a safe (high-zone) where we will not need to face the consequences of flooding and/or other complications. 1

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This trip will be conducted with the assistance of asa BaanDin Thai Organization. as the group has performed various community services throughout the years, they have the sufficient knowledge and required tools in instructing and assisting us in building the check dam and mud brick

Students’ Reflection on SOL Trip Pan Niyomthai (Grade 12)

Our first Symphony of Life field trip could be described as one with both fun and success. We built 300 mud bricks for the creation of a certain type of mud house and also a check dam which could be used to slow down water currents in the forest. The process of building both the mud bricks and the check damn were hard work, which made us realize how such hard creations could only bring such few changes to the overall environment in Thailand, or yet, the world. The Symphony of Life gives chances for active members to be able to participate in many unique activities which cannot be found in most community service clubs – SOL deals directly with water issues, and we tend to stick to accomplishing as many of our goals as possible. This passed trip to Ratchaburi is exactly the kind of good memory a student would want to have from a school field trip: bright stars, cold weather, fresh air, and friendly peers/club members. Many thanks to our club advisor, Miss Nichapa, without her we would not be able to accomplish so much.

Tuangporn Vesprasit (Grade 11)

as one, the Symphony of Life has successfully made a change in the environment. The Dam, mud-blocks and mud-balls (natural hospitals for animals) will greatly improve conditions in the habitat. This fieldtrip, unlike others, have imprinted special fondness in all our hearts. We are not mere members in Symphony of Life, but we have become brothers and sisters. The teamwork shown during the activities, the helping hand when one is in need, the encouragement given and the tenderness shared were shown. The Symphony of Life will strive forward in meeting its goal and we will continue to accomplish improvements towards our home, the earth.

Tanapat Ratanaruengjumrune (Tar) (Grade 10)

I really enjoyed the Ratchaburi trip. It was a great experience with lots of good memories. We built check dams and mud balls which will be helpful to the people at Ratchaburi. also, I also got to meet a lot of people which I haven’t known before which is awesome. I would really love to go to Ratchaburi again because not only is it fun, but it also helps many people living there.

Pure (Grade 11)

The trip to Ratchaburi will always be unforgettable to many of us. In my opinion, I think that the act of showering in a hot spring for the first time is the most memorable. This experience teaches me that the toilet, which may be dirty in our perspective, is very clean in the perspective of the people living in the countryside. Overall, I am delighted that I am a part of this trip because it gives many of us invaluable experience that we will not encounter again. AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

MCSR CLub TrIp

MCSR (Model Corporate Social Responsibility) is a recently formed club at RIS aimed to engage in social responsibilities through a business approach.

n the weekend of March 1-3, more than 30 club members partook in a fieldtrip to Prachuapkirikan, where we visited two necessitous schools. The fieldtrip was done in collaboration with another club at RISSOL (Symphony of Life). The fundamental intention of the trip was to personally present the first school (Baan Huay Krai) with the B100,000 that the club had raised for the construction of a two-story water tank, and to provide the second school (Naray Suan Huan Phueng) with essential supplies i.e. socks and milk. We arrived at the resort on Friday evening, and spent the entire Saturday visiting both schools and interacting with the students. at the first school we visited (Baan Huay Krai), we gave our donations and later painted the water tank and library along with the kids. “The MCSR trip was warm and went by all too swiftly; helping the children paint their library was a great experience and

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all the while present with us were a guitar and drum, making music and sharing the joy of being with each other, breathing in the fresh countryside mountain air,” said Ivan (grade 12, member of MCSR). Later on the same day, students went on an hour ride on a ‘Sorng Taew’ in order to visit the second school (Naray Suan Huay Phueng), where an equally prominent experience took place. The principal took students on a tour around the school, which in turn, acquired them with the opportunity to view the school’s self sufficient farming methods- all part of the King’s Self Sufficient Project (เศรษฐกิจพอเพียง). Several of us engaged in a water pumping activity, where students peddled a 4-seater bicycle to pump water into a plantation. “We got to ride on the bikes, which was really fun and interesting. I really enjoyed the trip!,” said Bouquet (grade 10, member of MCSR). Overall, the trip was extremely successful, providing the club with a great start.

Grade 10 Field trip:

By Nichapa Srisuk

Mangrove planting

angroves play a significant part in the environment by protecting shorelines from erosion, serves as a nursery area for fish and invertebrates and supports threatened and endangered species. In the present, pollution and construction had destroyed the mangroves. The sophomores will be going on a fieldtrip to plant mangroves on January 19, 2013 at â&#x20AC;&#x153;Khlong Kon villageâ&#x20AC;? in Samutsongkram. The students are to be brought out to the ocean by boat for lunch to eat the local food as well as learning new information about the environment as they travel then the students will be brought into the shoreline to plant mangroves. 20

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Reflection from Tanapat Ratanaruengjumrune (Tar) (Grade 10) I think that this mangrove reforestation trip is a very good idea. Normally, on Saturday, students would wake up late and use their time to play games, watch Tv, sleep, etc. By using the time to help the environment by growing trees is a lot better than staying at home letting time pass by. also, this mangrove reforestation trip makes people who never had experience on growing trees to be able to do probably a once in a life time activity. In my opinion, the Thai teachers really did a good job on organizing this trip. However, I think that there are very few trees which made some people get to grow only 2-3 trees. It would be better if we could be able to grow more trees. Overall, I really enjoyed this trip and think that this would be helpful to the environment. If possible, I would like to grow trees at the mangrove forest again.

Traditional Thai Herbal Massages

By The HS Thai Department

Introduction

n the 2nd of March, 2013, Thai students in Grade 11 from RIS travelled to Pathumthani Province to visit the Thanyaburi Home for Female Destitutes. Students volunteered to provide traditional Thai herbal massages for the residents and prepared and shared lunch with the women. Many students who volunteered for this activity commented that it was a pleasant and unique experience talk casually with them about their lifestyle to make them feel wanted. I honestly have to say that after this activity, I for them. By: Kevin felt like I was able to add a little more color back into the During the trip I had the opportunity to massage an elderly elders’ lives while they are just waiting for their time. I’m woman who was very nice and gentle-hearted. I was also also very happy that I made them smile while I talked to able to hear her story – she doesn’t have a family, never them and I’m still sad that talking to them was all I could had a relationship or children, and has been alone most of do. Overall, this was a good trip and I’ll be more than glad her life (similar to ยายสอน). It was her first time having to go back there to talk to them again. By: Chompoo a kid massage her; she was so happy and shy at the same time. In the end, when I was leaving, she cried and wished During the time that I went to help the elderly people I got me the best. I think it was a very good experience and I to experience that the people who live in the institute were very lonely. When they knew that our school was coming really want to do it again next year. By: Jack to visit, they were very happy. This kind of thing makes I have always wanted to do an activity like this since I was me feel happy, too, and that makes me want to help by a child but never got a chance to so I’m really grateful that doing more community service. By: Ben it’s a requirement for us to go visit the elders. Massaging them wasn’t the only thing I got to do; I was also able to This field trip gave me an opportunity and an experience that can’t be found in the normal school curriculum. This field trip also helped to raise my awareness of how fortunate we are. although it was very tiring after helping and giving assistance to the people in the retirement home, I felt that all the energy and work I put into the trip made it worth it. I could make old people in the retirement home laugh and smile happily and this was one of the objectives that I wanted from the trip. By: Moo AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Sarnelli Thai Reading Camp Meetings By Nichapa Srisuk

olunteers traveling to Nongkhai with our facilitator, Ms. Nichapa Srisuk, to participate in the intensive reading program at the Sarnelli Orphanage will have a total of five meetings in her room before the actual trip in order to prepare and arrange the activities to be conducted there. For those of you who are going with us, it is mandatory to attend all meetings! Thank you.

March 7, 2013 (During Lunch at H303)

March 14, 2013 (During Lunch at H303)

March 21, 2013 (During Lunch at H303)

March 28, 2013 (During Lunch at H303)

April 4, 2013 (During Lunch at H303)

volunteers will be gathered to acquire skills in teaching children how to read. On this meeting, participants will start brainstorming creative and recreational activities such as games for the youngsters

additional skills in teaching will be coached to the volunteers. The brainstormed ideas will be presented and finalized on this meeting.

Final training on teaching the children will be conducted on this meeting and follow-ups on the participantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activity to be done during the trip will be presented.

all ideas, teaching skills and activities will be completed. Other miscellaneous tasks are to be settled.

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an orientation will be given about the overall of the trip, an introduction about the children, schedule and activities will be announced on the first meeting.

Child Labor Project a

fter reading Oliver Twist in their La classes and studying about the Industrial Revolution in their social studies classes, the 8th Grade students completed a project to raise awareness about child labor around the world today. They were

asked to research different countries’ rules, regulations, transgressions, and abuses when it comes to the employment of children, and then present their work in a movie or website format. The work was then linked to QRCodes that were

displayed around the school to give further access to the project. We are very proud of our conscientious students who are taking a step further to expose and hopefully limit child abuse around the globe. Please click on the attached QRCodes to view their wonderful projects.

Fr. Ray’s Foundation visited the Canvas of Hearts club at RIS By Nud Nantavaropas, President

n april 10th, 14 students from Fr. Ray’s Orphanage and Fr. Peter Pattarapong came to visit the Canvas of Hearts Club at RIS. The members warmly welcomed the students to RIS with hot doughnuts and icebreaker games. The visiting students were those that The Canvas of Hearts club has been connecting with in Pattaya by teaching art and building and painting an art center for all the Father Ray students to enjoy. Earlier, the Canvas of Hearts club collaborated with the talented group of students by drawing greeting cards for the club to help raise funds.

With the help of our advisor, Ms. Pavla Poch, we taught the students how to make prints using the linoleum block, a soft, pliable rubber brick. The Canvas of Hearts Club showed the students that art is not only about drawing and painting,

but that art encompasses everything, including printing. The students returned home with their carved blocks, “I love RIS” wristbands, two full sacks of snacks, and a new perspective on art. AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Eco-Merits Club

By Tanapun (Dao) Chaikulngamdee, President of Eco-Merits Club at RIS

hips because of forced reproduction, blinded because of rebellious actions against their previous owner, and lucky ones that were brought to the park since they were born. The elephants that had been abused were less willing to mingle with the people because of mistrust, while the lucky ones would be very playful. Later in the On the first day as we got out of the airport, we were afternoon, we got the chance to go up close to bathe and not only welcomed by the beautiful breeze of Northern feed the elephants. Thailand, but a smiley young lady from the foundation named Ms. Bee. after she took the group to the office In the next two days, we were able to do volunteer in the city to fill out some paperwork, the group headed chores at the Elephant Nature Park. We were shoveling out of the city in an hour and a half long drive to the dung, preparing tamarind, unloading watermelons, Elephant Nature Park. Once we reached the site, no and putting away bananas. The jobs may seem tedious time was wasted. Ms. Bee introduced us to the types of and tiresome, but everyone was so enthusiastic about elephants that exist and the harm that has been brought helping out that in the end that everyone enjoyed the upon them. Then she took us out to meet some of the chores. We then got to watch a documentary about elephants in the park and told us about their behaviors and their past. There were elephants that had broken uring the Songkran break, the high school students of the Eco-Merits Club devoted their time traveling up north to Chiang Mai. The objective of this trip was to visit the Elephant Nature Park and act as volunteers for four days.

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how there is a traditional way of taming elephants by pushing the animal into a cage it barely fits in, and poking it with sharp sticks until it bleeds to get rid of its sense of freedom. The local people believe there is no other way to domesticate elephants, but the Elephant Nature Park has proven them wrong. However, that tradition is still going on. after watching the emotional documentary, we were also given a task of constructing pillars that would protect a tree. The park consists of mostly grassland, and due to elephants having a playful nature of breaking things it is hard for a tree to survive. We went to work in the morning by collecting rocks in the river for the construction. In the afternoon with the scorching sun, we were sweating away while using a hoe to mix the cement and slowly build the pillars. after all the laborious work, we were awarded with a trip into the village called “Muang Gued.” We visited the temple to pray to “Pra Tad” (the God of Elements) and to King Naraesuan. at the temple, fortune telling sticks were available and students had fun comparing their fortunes. after that, we went to the local market to eat some Som Sum and chicken; everyone was meat-deprived by then because the nature park only served vegetarian food.

awareness about the cruelties on elephants. Please help spread the word, elephants are being domesticated by abusive actions so that even watching elephant shows or riding on them is not healthy for the elephants.

Overall, the trip was an amazing experience. It not only taught the group of students about elephant issues, but it also taught us to toughen up while doing all the work. Even though the trip turned out really well, the issues of the elephants have not vanished. It is a very upsetting thought about how cruel humans could be to a creature that has always walked alongside our nation. However, reality sets in and this is why we all should help raise AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Non Fiction Writing

By Toni Boush, ES Principal

he rooms are a Buzz with students writing using many different genres. Genres as our students know them are different styles of writing either by content or form. Most recently many of our elementary classrooms have been focusing on the genre of nonfiction writing. We know that informational writing, also known as nonfiction writing, increases student achievement! It improves their overall writing skill and their reading comprehension. It has been known to stimulate our students to read more nonfiction. This is an important skill to develop as students are then able to summarize what they have read by putting it into their own words. It encourages our students to gather more information and to become aware of different writing models and ideas they can use to imitate in their own pieces of writing. Reading and writing nonfiction enables students to practice and identify the text features of informational writing and reading. The text features they become aware of and use in their own writing might include: drawings, highlighted text, glossary, index, table of content, captions, labels, headings, diagrams, charts, timelines and photographs. Students are quite excited about nonfiction and the topics that are available to them to study and write. Please take a few minutes to look at our own ES students informational writing. I am so proud of their work! 2

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ES Student Learning Portfolios

uring semester two, the Elementary School began exploring the idea of learning portfolios as a tool for students and teachers to collect and reflect upon educational experiences and the process of learning at RIS. The Technology Coordinator, Tim Pettine, approached the early years teachers with a strategy involving blogs and the iPad to capture visual evidence of student learning and then post that evidence to each learnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual blog. The practice of collecting student work in order to show growth over time is a fundamental best practice that always existed in traditional education. Innovation, digitization and multimedia technologies are allowing students to easily house their digital and non-digital products online, along with authentic records of their voice and demonstrational video. an early adopter of the digital learning portfolio is pre-Kindergarten teacher Darcy Coonan. She has all of her class blogs accessible on her classroom iPad and when students are engaged in an activity or are exploring some unique feature of the days lesson, Ms. Darcy can walk around to her students and photograph images of student engagement, in addition to their drawings and constructive products. additionally, the application on the iPad allows for Ms. Darcy to record students commenting upon what they are thinking about and even capture on video the experiences happening in her class.

re-visit the learning process and reflect upon what they are doing in school. The visual evidence and content of the portfolios transfer to the next grade level. Eventually students will have greater control over what is to be included in the portfolio and by high school, will begin to re-define the portfolio into a diagnostic tool to provide to universities. More and more universities are asking applicants to provide evidence of their skills and proficiencies and portfolios are widely regarded as an acceptable way to convey student achievement.

For now, the learning portfolios are highly secure. Internet searches will not locate individual blogs and the settings allow for teachers to identify specifically who can view the portfolio. What is extremely valuable about this initiative is the ability for teachers to implicitly integrate technology into their learning programs as technology skills and digital citizenship can be explored through the blogging platform. It is a very exciting time to be learning at RIS. If you would like more information about learning portfolios please contact Tim Pettine The benefits of learning portfolios are both immediate (timothyp@rism.ac.th) or Ms. Dainty (daintya@rism. and long-term. Right away, students are able to visit and ac.th). AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

ES SCIENCE SHoWCASE 2013 The 2013 Science H Showcase was an opportunity for all ow are clouds made and what makes a rocket go? ask a grade 1 student and they can show you how to make a cloud by lowering students to share what air pressure, and, they can show you how the movement of a rocket they have been studying, is also related to low and high air learning, and wondering about. Parents, high pressure. Grade 2 students can tell school students, and high you very articulately what pebbles, school teachers joined sand, and silt are and how knowing the properties of these materials is them in conversations important in our lives. They also about their projects. can tell you how the life cycles of insects are similar and different. a group of high school IB biology students remarked, “These kids The Elementary School students in know so much about the behavior grades 1 through 5 gathered together and structures of living organisms on February 22, to display their it’s scary. I never knew that much scientific knowledge and curiosity. when I was their age!”

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“What makes some sounds different than others?” “How are joints in our skeleton important in our lives?” Our Grade 3 students provided answers to these questions very

demonstrated their considerable knowledge of mixtures, solutions, and chemical reactions. Working together they presented their accomplishmentsandunderstandings through very sophisticated digital presentations.

demonstrably. “What stimuli do crayfish, snails, and plants respond to?” “How are the structures of each of these organisms similar and what functions do they serve?” In

One of our RIS high school students, Sasicha, shared her thoughts about how science has been important in her life and how it will continue to be a motivating force for her. In addition, elementary school students Thai, Lookchun, MeiMei, and Jase spoke to the entire group about their answering these questions, grade recent science experiences. 4 students presented the results of much experimentation they did and, still to be discovered….”How during the school year. Through did Pung Pond light that $100 bill on digital technology, grade 5 students fire and not have it burn up?”

ES GAMES DAY

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ES TALENT SHOW STAR KID

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Mathivation Originator Returns to RIS

By Judye Byrum

n Thursday, February 21st , Farid Nolen, author of “Says Who?” returned to visit high school and middle school students on the Ruamrudee campus. Farid has been coming to RIS since the inception of his Mathivation program began in 2009. This visit was slightly different than previously, as Faried brought with him educators from Sweden and the Philippines. From the Swedish contingent, the Pre-School Director (Linda Sinclair) and a colleague (Fredrick Strom) from their pre-school in Gottenberg, visited with Ms. Toni Boush and the pre-school teachers. In the middle school, students were treated to three guest teachers from Sweden ( Henrietta Blondell, anette Karlsson and Jack Magnusson) who presented a lesson on solving one and two-step equations and then had the students play a dice and bingo game to enhance the learning process. Each year, Farid returns to talk to students about the value of “not getting it” when it comes to learning mathematics. He begins by asking students the importance of learning math. The usual answers include because it’s useful, it’s everywhere, and it’s easy when they “get it”. Later in the morning, Farid talked with the students about the importance of pushing themselves to look for patterns, discover new approaches to problem-solving, and validated that it’s perfectly fine to feel frustrated. It’s through this frustration that they grow as learners. They can find new ideas if they continue to experiment and keep a positive attitude. He proceeded to build on those ideas through a series of real-life examples and

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finally ended with a problem that he challenged the students to solve with very little previous knowledge. During the presentation, Farid gave the students what appeared to be a simple geometry problem to solve without any essential information, and used the technique of encouraging the students to have fun and play with the shape they drew. The figure that he placed on the board was a circle; he then challenged them to find the area without any dimensions or formulas to work with. as the students began to draw in and around the circle, he walked around the room talking about what they drew and asked what they were thinking. He would then go back to the board and draw what he had seen. Next, Farid would ask a series of questions while continuing to draw on the board, and over the next 20 minutes students were able to solve the problem. Brilliant approach. Many students displayed the tenacity to hang in there. By the end they were making connections, drawing conclusions, learning to think sequentially, and pushing themselves beyond their limits. Isn’t that what learning is all about?

PI DAY By Robert Ledlie

n March 14th, middle school students were treated to a variety of activities that involved learning and celebrating the significance of March 14th (3.14). Pi Day is enjoyed all over the world by students and teachers alike. Some of the activities that took place in the middle school included creating a paper chain that incorporated a different color for each different digit. Students discovered that the number 9 appears the most within the first 100 digits and that the number 1 shows up the most within the first 1000 digits.

recorded 156 digits correctly, except for one block of 4 numbers that he omitted. Nina, Delaney, and Tejas also took part in this contest, and were each able to remember in excess of 30 digits each. Middle school students also participated in a contest to see who could best find the circumference of a circle that would encircle the middle school building. Tejas was the winner of this contest, with an estimate of 178 m. The winners of these contests were recognized at Tuesday assembly, where they were given a bag of pies to celebrate their efforts.

another activity included a scavenger hunt that involved using their computers to find things like the Pi symbol, the name of the famous scientist that celebrated his birthday on 3/14, a song that was created by assigning musical notes to each digit, and finding several realworld connections to Pi and how it is used. Students were also given the first 500 digits of Pi and challenged to find hidden numbers in the long strand of numbers such as dates before 2013 or their birthdates, palindromes, and perfect squares. During the morning break, amongst a cheering crowd, a handful of students tested their memories by writing as many of the digits as they could remember in the correct order. These students did a fantastic job, including Beam who recorded 98 digits of Pi correctly, and Tarm who AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

7th Grade Aspiring Authors Share Their Storybooks with the Elementary

such great effort. But, eventually the following students were recognized for their awesome achievement: First place - Ping Ping; Second place - Neena; Third place - Kay and Rose. The honorable mentions were: Faye, Ping, angela, anna and Mook. all of these students were asked to share their stories with the elementary school because whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a story, without an audience?

The elementary teachers, Mr Matt, Mr Joe, and, and Mr Patrick were kind enough to open their classrooms to our grade 7 aspiring authors on February 14th so that their wonderful stories could be heard and appreciated by the very audience that they were written for. Thank you ll grade 7 students were required in Semester One to elementary for listening! It was an enjoyable learning write and publish a creative short story for children experience for all! based on an animal that they researched. The students diligently worked on numerous drafts of their stories, engaging in both peer and teacher revision sessions, until they were content with their final product. These young authors then used an online publisher called, www. storyjumper.com, to create an illustrated version of their final draft, which they then printed and shared with their peers during Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cafe.

a contest for the best stories were held and students and staff participated in the nominations. It was not easy to narrow down the winners as all the students had shown 4

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POEM ABOuT HOW JESuS DIED By Sister Minh Jesus died to take our sin away

Dear God, Please take our sin away today So we may be blessed and forgiven Please guide us to do good and lead us away from Satan’s temptation Let us be free and only embrace the goodness within us. amen. Written by Apiluktoyanunt, Hannah from 6-1

I watch how Jesus Died Why did he…. Suffer and died Why did he…. Sacrifice to die Why us? Why not him stay With us till the end? I hear the cry of his people I hear soldiers in laughter They feel his flesh, rip off They don’t feel the pain His people, the elders saw him The children stay at home Why can’t you feel the pain He, his dying slowly !!! I didn’t see him But I heard the whip of the rope I’ll soon see him again This is my prayer to the Lord. Pray for us. Written by Tan, Tyra Dominique from 6-3 class AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Middle School Mosaic Masterpieces & Artists in Action Club

By Supisaranee (Mimi) Eksathien, 7th Grade & Walter G. Koertge III, MS visual art & Spanish Educator

ebruary 2013 was an exceptionally artistic month for art students at Ruamrudee International School, Bangkok, Thailand. Mrs. Margo anton, our artists in residence, traveled all the way from Canada to inspire RIS students’ mosaic creations. Members of the Middle School artists in action club worked three-weeks on a large mosaic project, which is now displayed on the wall of middle school building. The masterpiece is named, “Tree of Harmony,” and was based on seventh grader Delaney Marusak’s design composition. The idea symbolizes all the knowledge and growth experienced throughout the Middle School years. a tree represents this with colorful radiations spreading throughout the composition. On its branches and leaves hang magical fruits. The tree is prominently in the middle with golden Thai Kranok Pattern symmetrically balanced on the four corners of the composition.

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Having Mrs. anton at RIS really sparked the students’ imaginations, giving them an amazing opportunity to improve their art skills and expand their inner creativeness. There were many steps involved in the creating of such a large mosaic. First, we spread the mixed concrete onto the wooden canvas and the students put a variety of colors and sizes of tiles on top of the concrete. They had to be careful not to push the tiles onto the concrete too hard, because that would make the tile sink into the concrete, making the surface unbalanced. Once all the mosaic pieces were in place, we finalized the masterpiece by adding tile grout. It took us three weeks to complete the Tree of Harmony. Despite the sharp edges of the tiles, the students enjoyed the hours of working and putting their effort into this elegant piece of artwork. “I like the colors of the tiles. Putting them together and seeing it on the Middle School wall is something to be proud of!” said Ploy, an eighth grader.

another eighth grader, Mimi agreed saying, “we got to share our ideas and cooperate with other artists. We experienced new things. For example, at first I had no idea how to work with tiles, grout, and glass, but now if someone were to ask me how to do it, I could easily explain. The artist and Residence Program at RIS, and the MS art Club, are really the places where you can just bring forth your imagination and creativity, and use your skills and abilities to create beautiful artwork.” On March 4, 2013, a dedication ceremony was held to honor the collaborative work demonstrated. On behalf of the artists in action Club, MS art students, and the artist and Residence Program, a special thanks goes out to our leadership, Dr. J. andrew Westerman and Mrs. Gretchen DePoint, for supporting artistic endeavors. In case you’re wondering, the art Club has recently been working on new projects like mural paintings and mask paintings to add to MS environment! We’ll be renewing the old masks on the walls and replacing them with newer masks. Soon, the middle school would be filled with wonderful creations displayed throughout the walls that would fascinate and inspire everyone. With great collaboration, the members of the art Club will bring out the colors and beauty to RIS this year in no time!

Middle School Medieval Castle Defense Design

hroughout the Middle ages, power could be gained and lost by a monarchy simply by overtaking a castle. Securing these large compounds using a strong defense strategy would protect the leaders of a kingdom unless it was not well constructed - then it could end the reigning power of a monarchy and force members of its social structure to live under new laws and customs against their will. Ruamrudee’s seventh grade students did an online webquest of castle defense and attack strategies to investigate the many tactics used during the many political power struggles of the Middle ages. Students were then given a budget to design the best weaponry and castle compound to resist being taken by force. Students used architectural plans and recyclable materials to build their castles, then all groups presented their design to “King Kevin” and three were chosen as the most well constructed. The top three castle defense systems recognized were: Third Place: Poom L., Jean, Ter, Kendo Second Place: Tong, Jet, Roy, Anmol First Place: Ball, Anna, Faye AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

MS THAI HIGHLIGHTS

By Pongsatorn Kaewngam

MS Teachers’ Day 2013

“Education and those directly responsible for it, namely teachers, are of great importance. The people’s education is the indicator of the advancement or the decline of a country. The work of teachers therefore means the life or death of the country. Teachers have to be equipped with three significant qualities, namely good knowledge, good morality, and good ability, and should perform their duties completely and well.” His Majesty the King Bhumipol

n Tuesday, January 15, 2013 during our morning assembly, Thai teachers organized “MS Teachers’ Day 2013” so as to educate our students with this culture and encourage them to show respect to their teachers by giving flowers and saying how thankful they are received great knowledge from their teachers. Many students have also shared their gladness after attending “Wai Kru” ceremony.

“While the ceremony we felt nervous and afraid we would do something wrong but after we were done, we felt happy that the teachers liked it so much. We also felt thankful that we were able to pay respect to our teachers. Without them, we would not have a way to receive education.” (Risa 6-3, Prima 6-4) “While we were giving flowers, we both felt like somewhere in our heart feel happy and relieved to do something good to those who we respect. Although it was short, but we were very thankful and it was memorable.” (Radar 6-1, Air 6-5) “We feel good and happy to thank our teacher for everything they did for us. They gave us knowledge and they teach us manners and to be more responsible. Today’s ceremony is considered very important because it is a chance to thank them for their hard work.” (Catty 6-3, Mint 6-6, Som 6-2)

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MS Thai Field Trips On Friday, December 7, 2012, the 7th graders have been to a Thai field trip to ayutthaya. We have visited many places in ayutthaya like a famous temple called, “Wat Yai Chai Mongkol” and the ayothaya floating market. We saw all the historical monuments in the temple that the kings built. It was hard to walk through an enormous crowd of people when everyone was sweating. We saw many toys, food, and souvenirs in the floating market. We could be able to imagine how people in the old times sold food on small boats and sailed through the river. Traveling to ayutthaya with all our friends was super fun and all of us gained more experiences and knowledge about our own country. It was very important for us that we were able to go to ayutthaya at least once in our life because we got to learn how hard our ancestors tried to protect the country for us. (Pingpong , HR 7-6 Mrs. RC)

“It is a good thing to thank the teachers and Teacher’s day gives us the opportunity to do that. This ceremony is only found in Thailand. When we celebrated Teacher’s day, we found a little happiness inside. The teachers that we met helped us and it is the reason of success in the future.” (Ern Ern 7-4, Naam 7-2) “Teacher’s day is a good opportunity to show our gratitude towards our teachers. It is very amazing that we have Wai Kru ceremony on Teacher’s day as part of our culture.” (Ping 7-3, Winner 7-8) “Today, the RIS Middle School scholars paid respect to their teachers by giving them flowers and wishing them the best. We felt so blessed to be a part of this tradition that is a part of Thai culture. RIS has preserved this tradition for many years and we hope it does not die soon.” (Namfon 8-3, Mo 8-3, and Aor 8-4)

On December 7th, students from Ruamrudee’s Grade 8 went on a field trip to vimanmek Royal Mansion; the biggest teak mansion in the world. Inside the palace are displays of antiques, furniture, and artwork owned by several kings of the Chakri Dynasty, including King Rama v. One of the highlights of the visit was a small exhibit of the damage caused by a World War II bomb that was dropped on a part of the palace. Thai people believe that the spirits of the kings who used to live in vaimanmek Royal Mansion had protected it from being completely destroyed by the bomb. The second leg of the trip was a visit to ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, where students marveled at the beauty of the selective artwork on display. The golden thrones of the king and queen were part of a small selection of exquisite art pieces, which included wall carvings and silk hangings that took hundreds of artists years to complete. The trip concluded with a nice lunch and puppet show at Ramayana restaurant. Overall, it was a pleasant day that highlighted the importance of Thai culture at Ruamrudee International School (Ton, Mr. Said’s Journalism Class) AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Panjarat in Prince Naris Day and Sirindhorn Foundation Day

anjarat Lewsriskul (Gene, HR 8-6) performed a Thai dance at Plai Nern Palace in april 28, 2013, to mark the 150th birthday anniversary of HRH Prince Narisaranuvattiwongseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth as Prince Naris Day and the occasion of Siridhorn Foundation Day in May 6, 2013. On this occasion, she had a chance to perform the Thai dance to Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as she did for eight years.

and their posters are being printed professionally to post on campus. Finally, there was a video submission allowed, so there was a winner in this category as well. all winners are listed below.

Elementary School Winners -

POSTER

his yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s K-12 English Only Contest had several submissions from both the elementary and middle school making it extremely difficult for the committee to select the winners. all posters were judged by committee members from all three buildings on the following criteria: Overall idea (strongest message/ impact), Originality (creativity), Craftsmanship (clean/ neat), Interesting design (overall layout), and Readability (size of text so viewers can see). Winners from each building were selected and presented with certificates, 40

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Runner up - Wechapraan (Poon) Srimanus, Nattamon (Tata) Tokaeo, Diya (Diya)Prabhu, Samita (Nong Pai) Radadat, and Preeyanit (Khao Pun) Poolsawat 3rd - Manyasiri (Pear) Chotbunwong and Netrsai (Neuy) Khemayodhin, 2nd -Sakdidej (Eaton) Sasiprapha, Thipop (Thon) Promlikitchai and Raksit Kumphati, 1st - anita (annie) Kritsanapraphan and aryn Park (aryn) Sawangloak

Middle School Winners-

Runner up - Natcha (Jenny) Kruamool and Isaly (Rose) Sangaphunchai 3rd - Kwan Penpoo, vimolnath (Nam) Saisim, and Tariya anna (Tara) Somrit 2nd - Danainanth (Kris) Mualprasert, Hannah Faith (Hanna) Diopenes, and Brooke Kalombe 1st - Mathilda Kajornkiatpanich Video Winner - Supisaranee (Mimi) Eksathien

MS GAMES DAY

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MS TALENT SHoW

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Celebrate Japanese New Year By Megumi Furuya

apanese classes in high school and middle schools celebrated Japanese New Year and had three New Year activities such as KAKIZOME, HYAKuNINISSHu, and NENGAJO.

Here’s what student said: From the three activities, I like Kakizome (Caligraphy) the most. I think we can learn how to write Japanese precisely because the writing tool that we use is very hard to use. We used a lot of practice paper to write this. The first ones were very ugly, to he honest, but over time it got better and looked really good. - Now (HS Japanese 1) I like the Hyakuninisshu because I won the game and its very fun to compete with or friends to see who is better at finding the card. and it also helps you to improve your reading skills because you need to read the Hiragana very fast to get the card faster than your opponent. - Toon (HS Japanese 2)

KAKIZOME is a Japanese traditional calligraphy that is often written on the beginning of the year. It is performed using a Japanese brush with black ink on a special paper. HYAKuNINISSHu is a Japanese card game that is played between two people. There are 100 cards which each of the phrases are from a waka poem created by 100 poets. Waka is a type of poetry in which the pattern is 5-7-5-7-7. Two people have to listen to the poem and pick up the cards that match the poem. Whoever has the least cards wins. NENGAJO are New Year’s cards that Japanese people send them as New Year’s greetings and show close friendships to one another. Nengajo often includes the year’s zodiac animal in it.

My favorite New Year activity in Japanese class is Nengajo because I get to make colorful New Year cards however I want. I like decorating the New Year cards with different styles that shows our creativity like using different colored letters and using beautiful borders. It makes me feel both traditional and modern to make those cards for our friends and teachers. - May (MS Japanese 2) AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

akadejdechapanich, Narut alderson, Jiravit Miller amporndanai, Pasith an, Ji In (Jenny) anand, Siddhant andonegui, Ivan Ignacio areewatanawong, Teenida argardwipart, Yanisa asavahame, Chontida asavahame, Pim aung, Hsu Myat Boonbunjerdkit, Thateethai Boonchoo, Kraisab Borirakpanich, Chalita Borvonvinyanant, Nakamon Brown, Ryan Bumrungthai, aroonchai Bunnag, Bhop Bystrom, Daniel (Mickey) Chaidarun, Pirapon (Leo) Chaiprukmalakan, Nitchakan

Chalanuchpong, Wasin Chandra Mouli, Lathika Chanprapanont, alex athip Chanrachakul, Jennarong Chao, Tai-Hsiang (Richie) Charoenkul, Kevin Chatsuwan, Matthew Chen, Sung Po (Rafael) Cheng, Chee Yang Chiarnpattanodom, Chanon Chittarat, Kittitad Choudhary, vishakha Chunharakchote, achira (art) Damrongchaitham, Fahshai Deshmukh, Tanvi anil Dhamavasi, Narapatr Diloknawarit, Nattapol (Max) Dongre, amruta Guiao, Joelle Gupta, Prakhar Herabat, Lapat

Hirosawa, Saori Homhuan, Kularb (Rose) Hong, Yong Hoo (Hugh) Hongdusit, Kantham Huang, Chuan-Chun (Sean) Huangsuranun, Witchaya Iamjan, Maegan Jaturavith, Noramon Jayaram, aparna Jumreornvong, Oranicha (Natty) Kaensacha, Thanawat (Jasraj) Kaensacha, Trivat (Tej) Kaewkoon, Waralee Kaga, Lisa (alis) Kaiphobthawiphong, Pongsiri Kalayanamit, Kantapat Kang, vipavee Karnchanacharoen, Naphatrada Karnchanapimolkul, Peerakarn Karnchanapimonkul, Pramon Kasatri, Prasit (Naveen)

Kato, Yoshinao Keratiyutwong, Chanar Kewalramani, Kirti Khanijou, Rashmika Khemacheevakul, Khemiga Kiatmongkolkul, Kanjarat Kim, Hak Hyun (Willy) Kiratiwongboone, Karoon Klomjit, Tanapat Kraikruan, Nat Krishnamoorthy, Sindhuja Kumar, Devina Kwanchit, Kosethi Lakhi, aishwarya Lausangngam, Sareda (Mimi) Lee-Isranukul, Chayapon Leelathongthai, Sirachat Lertsachakul, alisha Manupipatpong, Sasicha Marcar, Piyabutr (Brian) Maskulrath, Parkin

Miller, Sangtawun Marie Miyazaki, Kaoko Nalamlieng, apichaya Nanavaratorn, Khongkrit (Max) Nararidh, Natasha Narasethapong, Pannavich Narula, adisa Narula, avika Ngamjing, Kittipong Nitayaphan, Napat Niyomthai, Pan Oh, Won Jun (Paul) Okai, Mizuki Ongsricharoenporn, Jiratchaya Paha, Pitchayatorn Paisarnsrisomsuk, Nuttha Pansirithanachote, Pantila (Lily) Park, Hee Yoon Park, Jae Sung Pattaphongse, Tanin Petdassada, Pornkamol

Phatraprasit, Thunyaporn Phootip, Chatchadaporn Piboonswasdi, Chantarach Pongamphai, Naetiphat (Nicky) Puntawong, Kunakorn (Jack) Punwatanawit, Gan (Nick) Riangkrul, Sakdinant Ruangsri, Pariya Rujithanawat, arthimar (Tina) Sa-ngarmangkang, Pet-chompoo Sachdev, Maeheka Sae-Tang, Sukphawadee (Sandy) Sangkhapreecha, Kantapon Santitewagun, Supawan (amy) Sapsuwan, Thapanon Sathirakorn, Lalin (Gina) Sayavipulya, Choon Sehgal, arosha Sethi, Rasika Singh, Kriti Sirichitr, Piyapol

Sirison, Pakjira Sirison, Satida (amy) Siriviroj, Khanin Sosongsermkul, veratawat Sriprajittichai, arthit Sriyananda, veerabhatr Stark, Morgan Sukmark, Orasa Suksathaporn, Jan Sunchindah, Soravut (Billy) Supboongerd, Norratad Sutarat, Preyaluck Suwankaisorn, Banyong Tanskul, Pongsavat (Newton) Tanthiptham, Tanapon Tantivongsakij, Jirawat Taylor, Joshua Techathanapaiboon, Suppachai Thairungroj, Nichakan Thakral, Shivek Thamsirisup, Nicharee

Thiensawang, Sirapatsorn Thompson, Prae Thongcheum, Yada Treemethawee, Nantamate Tsai, Yun-Yu (Mickey) Tukaew, Panyawat uapongkitikul, Chawanvit uttasart, Jittanan vatcharotayan, Kanch Wangpattanakul, Sirithorn Wetpanyawong, Suangrat Wongpinkaew, Taweesin Wongsirikul, Patrapon Wood-Thanan, Mitikorn Yamada, Gaku Yeum, Changul (Louis) Yuenthon, Theeraphol AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Meet the Author

“Chart Korbjiti” Southeast Asian Write Award recipient and National Artist in Literature.

On RIS Campus, March 27, 2013

Read for Life Project By The HS Thai Department

His state, “I choose to be a writer. I give it my whole life. I have traded my whole life for it.”

r. Chart Korbjitti has been a successful full-time writer ever since he published his first short story in 1979. Twice the winner of the prestigious SEa Write award in 1982 for “Khamphiphaksa” (The Judgment) and in 1994 for “Wela” (Time). Our Thai students grade 11-12 study the two of his award-winning novels in IB classes, and regular class grade 11. The story “Khamphiphaksa” is about a man who is a humble janitor of a provincial temple school. He is judged and discriminated by the society and his life end up with loneliness and tragedy. The other story “Wela”, is about a screen writer sits through a play about old people in an old folk’s home. The content is a matter of the inner feelings of the elderly.

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The students showed a warm welcome to Mr. Chart by decorating the seminar room with their class works such as posters, written works, and handmade props that reflect ideas from the two novels. The students had prepared questions that were both related to the novels and his personal life. Mr. Chart shared about his work and life experiences to students and challenged them to be passionate about their work and strive for excellence. The seminar was filled with laughing according to Mr. Chart sense of humor in answering student questions. at of the seminar end, Ms. Sudarat T. and Mr. anonth Callaco, members of the school administration thanked Mr. Chart for visiting the school once again. The students also presented Mr. Chart with gifts that students made in classes to show their gratitude.

“His stories are extremely fun to hear which it also gives us some benefits by including morals which we can apply to ourselves. I believe that I have learned a lot and gained new ways of thinking by meeting him this time and I am positive that other students will too. I would definitely agree if the school decides to continue this conference onwards because now Khun Chart is one of my most favorite writers.” Kevin W. Grade11 “ His words truly inspired of how a novel is usually written, but all his saying was just words of wisdom which anyone would benefit from. Those moments with him gave us great pleasure in understanding how society is to be featured in the modern time, the past, and how it is supposed to be shaped out in the future.” Trivat Kaensacha Grade 12 “Being in a discussion with Khun Chart gave students the opportunities to understand the life of an author in every aspect. Khun Chart, a successful writer has given new thoughts to passionate individuals through his words and writing. Khun Chart proved to be a source of insight for young learners.” Rashmika Khanijou Grade 12

Thai Class reflection By Waralee Kaewkoon (Mook), IB Thai Lit SL Y2

ttending Thai class every other day has maintained my speaking, reading and writing skills in Thai during my school years where English was a main language. Going to a Thai class with a solid curriculum every year helped me a great deal in keeping my communication skills intact, especially when it came to maintaining my vocabulary range since most of the time the main language I practiced at school, both verbally and in writing, was English. Thai class has played a big role in maintining my Thai writing skills as well, since most of the time the only practice I had with Thai language was in daily, casual conversations with my friends. Without Thai class, both my speaking and writing skills would have undoubtedly decline. Thai class wasn’t just a class where I wrote my essays in Thai and learned about all the wonderful literary pieces written in the same language. Every other day, Thai class became a place where Thai students could take a break from the internationality reinforced by the school’s curriculum and the English language and return to their native culture and language. This made Thai class a place where the shared language and culture allowed students to be more relaxed and to converse and participate in expressive discussions on a wide range of topics, such as politics or the entertainment business. This allowed students to stay informed about current events in Thailand as well as provided them with a

chance to voice their opinions on certain topics, all the while verbally practicing the language and exercising their vocabulary. apart from the lessons I’ve learned in class, my time and experience with the Thai teachers has been extraordinary. Countless times have they offered me the opportunities to do things other students would never receive the chance to do, such as emceeing for ISTa festival or for a school event in the presence of Thailand’s P.M. of Education, or performing a traditional Thai dance on ceremonies and festivals like the King’s birthday, Songkran, or for the opening ceremony of SEaSaC arts back in 2012. I treasure these moments because they’ve all contributed to my ability to perform and speak in front of an audience, big or small, which is an ability that will definitely help me in life. With these performing opportunities being constantly available throughout every school year, I’m sure I won’t be the only one who will benefit from these opportunities that the Thai department offers its students. AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Drama Day Semester II 2013 O

n May 9th all High School Drama and Theatre Technology students joined together for this semestersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Drama Day. The day was divided into technical rehearsals and an early afternoon of performances; students worked on final details for an audience of Elementary, Middle and High School RIS students, staff and family.

The afternoon consisted of ten performances; Falling Stars, Outwitting the Imp, The Caterpillarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice, The Pig and Ram Make Home, White Tiger, The Curious Case of Rhymer McGuigan, Revenge, Caught Red Handed, The Innocent Wife and So You Want To Be a Physical Theatre Performer? Students were excited to see what their peers had been getting up to in class, and for three groups; a chance to collaborate on one piece. Miss Shorna would like to thank all of the staff that helped in the process and who came to support our wonderful students for the last HS Drama performances of this academic year. also congratulations to the following talented students who shone brighter than ever, showcasing their hard work on Drama Day. 4

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Theatre

Marina Balenciaga Pear Boonwisut Nes Chaloemlapsombut Ya Jitsuyama Pete Thaitongsuk Pup vatcharinsavee Sitala Wongkrachang Wynter Srisawat

IB Theatre

Advanced Drama Ying Buranupakorn Cheer Krisralam Tanya Landolt Sung-Min, Park Rose-Mary Marcar Barni Sethi aloka Sirianukul Katherine Spahr aim Sukmark Pat Thaitongsuk

aica azul Praewa Palakawong Na ayuthaya Theatre Technology Brian Marcar arika Hisatsune Thai Prasongsanti Nat Natavaropas

Drama 1

Joshua Podlas Soft Tangpanchasin Mook Teerarochanapong Pear Yi Khusil Kewalramani Dhruthi Kumar

Drama 2

Malcolm Mitchell Ch-non Saravat Manasi vaidya Shank Yamamot Daya Tosomsao HK Lee

Sharmellia Shornakay Shand, High School Drama Teacher

RIS Drama Students attended

the Theatre Production, ‘blithe Spirit’

igh School Drama students ventured to the British Club to watch one of the world’s most popular stage comedies; Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward. For many, this was their first experience of live theatre. They were able to critique the set, costumes, props and actors. Before the show, students attended a Directors talk, where they were able to ask Mark Sobel questions about the creative process and inspiration, providing insight into decisions made and enriching the overall experience. RIS students were also able to meet other Drama students from different schools around Bangkok who, like them, have a passion for Performing arts. AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

GRIMM tales

By Sharmellia Shornakay Shand, High School Drama Teacher

fter several weeks of rehearsals, high school and middle school students took to a variety of stages for RIS’s 2013 Drama Production: “Grimm Tales” on april 8-10, 2013. There were a mixture of tales from “Hansel and Gretel”, “Little Red Cap”, “Ashputtel”, “Musicians of Bremen”, “Rumpelstilskin”, “Clever Hands”, and “Snow White”. The event was structured as a promenade theatre performance, with each tale in different sections of the Redeemer Hall. The audience journeyed through the performances sitting and standing amongst the actors, travelling with them to each destination, and eventually passing through an enchanted forest. The shows were performed on three separate occasions, gathering hundreds of supportive audience members from RIS staff, students, and family members.

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Mr. Darren, Miss Blythe and Miss Shorna would like to thank all the RIS staff and students and those who took part in the process. also, congratulations to the following performers for their commitment, collaboration and creativity:

Hansel and Gretel

Rumpelstiltskin

Hansel : Gretel : Father : Mother : Witch :

alangkan Plangsastra Delaney Marusak Boss Fair Jiratipayabood Jasmin Ryback

Miller : King : Daughter : Rumpelstiltskin :

Red cap : Wolf : Grandmother : Huntsman : Mother :

Katherine Spahr Bouquet Numchuem Champrasit Tatiana andonegui Nacha Rapeerattanakul

Clever Hans

Little Red Cap

Ivan andonegui Maek Kongsawaa Fair Jiratipayabood Brian Marcar

Sharmellia Shornakay Shand High School Drama Teacher Hans : Mother : Gretel :

alangkan Plangsastra Jasmin Ryback asta Balakauskas

Musicians of Bremen H&G/LRC Ensemble group : Rosemary Marcar, Maek Kongsawaa, Mimi Eksathien, Barni Sethi & Hannah Dhruthi, Ei Mon Myint, Khaimook Lowatanapongsa, Burglars : Donkey : Khaimook Lowatanapongsa Daniela andonegui Dog : Mimi Eksathien Snow White Cat : Tyra Tan Cockerel : Rose-Mary Marcar Huntsman/Prince : Katherine Spahr Ashputtel Narrator/Mirror/D7 : Barnie Sethi Queen : Ei Mon Myint Beggars/Sisters : Tatiana andonegui & Bouquet Somlit Disguised Queen : Rose Mary Marcar Father : Ivan andonegui Snow White : Delaney Marusak ashputtel : Numchuem Champrasit Mother /D6 : Dhruthi Kumar Mother Spirit : Maya agana Dwarf 1 : Ying Byranupakom Stepmother : Bouquet Dwarf 2 : Khaimook Lowatanapongsa Prince : vasin Tah Kijhornphan Dwarf 3 : Mimi Eksathien Ensemble group : Mimi, angela, Dianne, Khaimook, Dwarf 4 : Daniela andonegui Delaney, Daniela Dwarf 5 : Dianne Fahey AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Greetings Sports Fans By Gerry Steiert

april 1st, 2013

he RIS community certainly experienced an exciting 2nd season of sports again this year. Catching up from our last issue the Golf team, under the guidance of Managers Walter Koertge & Joey Scott, once again won both titles at the SEaSaC Golf Championship for the 2nd year in a row. This time it was in Thailand at the Bangpakong Riverside Country Club. Other Season 2 highlights include Silver medals for the Girls Tennis Team; BISaC Singles Tennis medals were given to Frank for Gold and Chung for Bronze; u15 Football both received BISaC medals: Silver to the Girls Coach Golf & Bronze to Boys Coach Komson. 52

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The RIS School Community, including everyone from K-12, congregated in Godbout Hall once again Friday Feb 15th to recognize the nearly 200 Season 2 sports participants. Our wonderful Cheerleaders led the teams & coaches to their rightful places on the new Godbout Stage under the guidance of Weerawaroon (Queen) Mavichak. This was followed by a group photo including all the coaches for this current year. Falcon NIST Friendly Invitational Tournaments March 8-9 was well represented by our varsity Softball & Badminton teams. Badminton played on both days with the Championship Trophy & Medals going to the Boys

& the Silver trophy & medals went to the Girls & Coach Joei. Boys Badminton gave up only 2 matches for the entire weekend. Softball Girls played Friday only and earned the Bronze Trophy & Medals with Coach april while the Boys played on Saturday and also earned the Bronze. RIS hosted the Phoenix Friendly Varsity Boys Softball Invitational on Sat Mar 16th. under the coaching of Shaun & Tim our boys managed to go undefeated for the day, despite some stiff competition in this 5 team tournament, thereby receiving the much deserved Championship trophy & medals. These same teams plus 2 additional will meet once again March 30th for the BISaC championships.

Season 2 results January

VarsityBISAC

Tennis Singles@ BPS: Girls Chung Bronze Coach CJ Colburn; Boys Frank Gold Coach Pornpoj (Poj) Thanlawanich; Team: Girls 4th @ ISB; Boys 4th @BPS Girls Touch Rugby 4th @ NIST Coach Sean McMahon Basketball Girls 4th Coach Charoen Saendej @ BPS hosted by ICS Boys7th Coach Raha Mortel @ RIS u17 Touch Rugby Girls 4th Coach Peter Baer @ NIST February

SEASAC

Tennis Girls Silver @ MKIS Coach CJ Colburn teacher chaperon Jamie Dougherty Boys 4th @ NIST Coach Pornpoj (Poj) Thanlawanich Basketball Girls 5th @ RIS Coach Charoen Saendej; Boys 6th @BPS Coach Raha Mortel Girls Touch Rugby 7th @ NIST Coach Sean McMahon

BISAC u11 – u17

u17 Basketball Girls Coach Onsa Saleenuan 7th @ ISB; Boys Coach Tim Mitchell 10th @ NIST u15 Football Boys Coach Komson Penpoo Bronze @ SHB; Girls Supachai (Golf) Suriyapattaratham @ RIS Silver u13 Football Boys Coach Prapohj unpudsa 10th @ ISB; Girls Joei Janjira Khaosa-ard 7th @ BPS hosted by TCIS u11 Football Boys @ HIS: “a” Joe Giauo 5th & “B” Coach Guin Jaotatit 8th; Girls 5th @ BIST Coach april Slagle AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Season 3 results March

SEASAC

Championships are now complete for the 2012-13 school year. Our final season proved to be very successful. Championships in SEaSaC (2), BISaC (1), Silver Medals in SEaSaC (1) BISaC (3) and a number of personal bests for our swimming program. Well done by players, coaches & parents. March 8-10 Swimming – aquatics coordinator Kevin Leinbach plus coaches Sathit Hongthong & Kritsana Thanpisitsakon visited Bangkok Patana for competition where most of our team managed some personal bests, which is good for the program. Softball Shaun Edmondson& Tim Pettine took their boys team to International School Yangon, finishing with an impressive record and placing 4th overall. april Slagle & Dominick Bruso traveled with the girls to uWC East in Singapore & returned with the Silver medals after dropping only 2 games all weekend. Badminton Joei Janjira Khaosa-ard & Chuan Lee regained the RIS domination of SEaSaC Badminton at Garden International School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The girls were undefeated & the boys lost only 1 match the entire tournament.

BISAC

RIS hosted the varsity Boys Softball Championships right here on our lovely campus and fans were able to witness an exciting final in which our boys earned the Silver Medals. Girls at NIST also won Silver. Varsity Softball Coach Shaun Edmondson & Tim Pettine Silver @ RIS; Girls Coach april Slagle Silver @ NIST

Varsity Badminton @ HIS Boys Coach Chuan Lee Gold; Girls Coach Joei Janjira Khaosa-ard Silver u15 Singles Tennis Boys Coach Sorrachet “arm” uayporn; Girls Coach Pornpoj (Poj) Thanlawanich @ BPS Swimming Kevin Leinbach plus Coaches Sathit Hongthong, Kritsana Thanpisitsakon visited ISB where our swimmers once again earned some personal bests. April

BISAC

Softball u17 Boys Coach Tim Pettine @ RIS; Girls Coach Dominick Bruso @ ISB u11 T-Ball Boys Coach Ben Roth & akiko Miyasaki @ BPS; Girls Coach Sean McMahon @ aSB Badminton u17 Boys Coach Prapohj @ RIS; Girls Coach Joey Scott @ HIS Volleyball u15 Boys Coach Komson Penpoo @ BPS; Girls Coach Noi Penpoo @ ISB u13 Boys Coach Charoen Saendej @ TCIS; Girls Coach Onsa Saleenuan @ NIST varsity Golf is hosted by HIS at the Bangkok Golf Club. Managers Walter Koertge& Joey Scott. May

u15 Boys Softball Coach Kevin Curran @ aSB u15 Team Tennis Girls Coach Pornpoj (Pot) Thanlanawich @ ISB; Boys Sorrachet “arm” uayporn @ BPS 54

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HS TALENT SHOW

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TEACHER TALENT SHOW

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Andrea Heinz:

It will be very hard for me to say goodbye to all of my amazing young artists at this school. I have been overwhelmed by the creativity, work ethic, and pride that my students have displayed over the past two years. Little did they know, but as they were learning new and exciting things from me, I was learning new things from them as well. They have challenged me to find new and difficult art projects for them to attempt, and I have been able to push elementary artists to do high school level art projects that I initially thought would be too difficult for them. They have surprised me with their abilities to take on challenges and support each other in a positive classroom environment. I will miss the little notes that my students write to me. I will miss displaying their drawings that they did at home around my desk. I will miss the hugs and the smiling faces. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been so lucky to be able to be their art teacher for these past two years, and they will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you elementary artists for letting me be your art teacher.

Grier Rennie:

First of all I would like to thank Sudah and Father apisit for inviting Ray and I into the amazing journey that we have had at RIS for the past three years.Our time here has been truly a roller coaster ride of great peaks and valleys that we will remember for many years to come. Our RIS students while they continually foster my great pride, they casually accept their talents day by day without any question. Their capabilities in art, music and dance, and their curiosity for global connections and understanding are a huge compliment to their culture and age group. I have developed a strong faith for their future leadership as their generation comes of age. Last, but definitely not least are the wonderful friendships that I have made during my stint here. Who knew that I would meet and become friends with â&#x20AC;&#x153;the only other Grier on the planetâ&#x20AC;?; that we would find Tara,Melanie, and andrea and become part of a great social group that can always find the fun to be had; that we had to come to Thailand to meet another Rennie and distant Steirt relatives from Western Canada; that our professional development opportunities would continue to build our teaching skills and talents with fantastic teachers from all over the world. The students and our teaching colleagues were only a small part of the positive outcomes that Ray and I have enjoyed. We are truly grateful for these experiences. However now it is time for us to return to Jamie and Lucas, Margie, Joseph and Greyson, and Casey and Char, and all the rest of our wonderful family that has been patiently waiting in Canada for us to come back and really retire - this time for sure!! Maybe! AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Darren Scully:

I have made some lifelong friends at RIS and taught some of the smartest, friendliest, most committed students ever. The hidden curriculum in schools is probably as important as what students are meant to learn, and I think some of the discussions and conversations have been the richest and most rewarding. The theatre has been home to some talented and profoundly interesting young people and the quality of the productions I have been involved in certainly have matched those of more established schools. I don’t feel sad to be leaving: I think it’s time to change and renew. In that way, I feel like a lot of the seniors who are going on a new journey. Thanks to those who have been friends, colleagues, and passing acquaintances. I have been inspired by the quality of the teaching staff here. Most of all, thanks to the students who have taught me how to stay young. as the great Pablo Picasso said, “all children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

Andrew Marusak:

I have had the most amazing time of my life living in Thailand, travelling extensively throughout SE asia, and working at RIS. I thought I was a good cook but Thailand has me humbled. I have tried foods prepared in ways I never knew existed. I ‘live to eat’ and this was the perfect place to satiate that desire. One observation is that the further you get away from downtown Bangkok the better the hearts of the Thai people become - truly beautiful people that I am deeply saddened to say good-bye to. The students at RIS are wonderful. It takes them some time to warm up but with twoyear courses I was able to establish many lasting relationships. Students these days are under tremendous pressure and are dealing with nonstop distractions in our digital society. I am impressed by their ability to focus, form their own opinions, and excel in assessments. I love that the students never want to disappoint me and if I am not happy they go out of their way to cheer me up because they want to see me smile, laugh, and joke around. Through four years of Interact/Habitat for Humanity I had the pleasure of working with the very best RIS had to offer and the leaders of the future. If RIS is a test case, then one observation is that women are on track to hold most leadership positions in the future. Matt Fahey : thanks for being my mentor and collaborator on parenting Tom Wash: I missed having a classroom next to you this year, my students so admire you Pae: thanks for your attitude and fixing our computers! Rob: good luck at your next stop, wherever it may be Noi, Pum, Pam, Sue, Pik, Emily, Golf, Pear, and especially Khun Tim: Thank you Daniel Hansson: thanks for all the hard work with Habitat, remember you are not responsible for analyzing everything, let some stuff just be Mark Conner: thanks for inspiration Marc Sabb: I’ll consider there isn’t a ‘God’ if you will consider there is Sean, Orestes, Isaac, Marshall, Tim M, Kevin, Tim P, et.al.: thanks for teaching my son to play sports, I am impressed with the athlete you helped mold Kemps: Many good memories Tim/Gretchen: thanks for being solid next-door neighbors and great friends Michaela: and away we go to another adventure Father Travis: thanks for the prayers, some of them may have worked so keep them coming 5

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Selena Robinson:

When I accepted my teaching post at Ruamrudee I wanted to embark on an adventure and I certainly got adventure in abundance! From riding a motorcycle through torrential downpours to escaping floods and travelling all over Southeast asia, my two years in Thailand has been a fantastic experience. Teaching IB higher level chemistry at Ruamrudee has been a challenge but one that has made me a better teacher. In my teaching career I had never experienced such enthusiastic, happy, and motivated students until I came to Ruamrudee. I have felt respected as a teacher and have been privileged to receive so many supportive and kind comments from the parents of my students. I wish all of my students well and look forward to keeping in touch with them to see how they fulfill their many exciting opportunities. Thank you to Ruamrudee for giving me the chance to become an international teacher!

David Marrinson:

RIS employs people who care about each other and who are genuinely happy to help each other out. I still won’t forget how grateful I was to see our administrators, Eric Monson, andy Westerman, and Kevin Thomas, pick us up from the airport when we initially arrived. It was just nice to get such an awesome welcome... and to step off of the metaphorical roller coaster for a few hours. Next year, my wife andrea Heinz and I will be starting a new ride and rejoining our friends Kevin and Pascale Thomas at GEMS World academy in Dubai. I’ll miss the kids the most. Ten years into my career in education and the kids still teach me just as much as I teach them. I feel very fortunate that Mr. Eric Monson hired me and took a chance on me, even after saying that one of my prized possessions was Nirvana’s In utero album. I hope I didn’t disappoint; I did the best I could with what I have. This year, I had the chance to teach IBLL with Mr. Matt Morse. The enjoyment I experienced while working with a truly creative individual, a real artist, a philosopher, was second to none. I’ll miss conversing with him about education, music, and life.

Vanessa Scully:

Four years is a high school cycle. I look at the seniors now, whom I taught in 2009, and think that we’ve all come a long way. Like them, I am going somewhere new and exciting but am taking away some great memories and lifelong Facebook friends. RIS students can even make starting work at the crack of dawn bearable. Helping with Model united Nations was challenging and fun, and I hope to bump into RIS delegates around the world in the future or at least to read about them in the news. and a big thank you goes out to colleagues at the chalk face. xox

AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Michaela Marusak:

Before I moved to Thailand, both my husband andy and I travelled independently to Thailand. With that experience we both knew that Thailand is where we wanted to live. So, when we decided to move from our last stop of Nicosia, Cyprus, we knew we wanted to find a teaching job in Thailand...we did, and ended up teaching here at Ruamrudee, which has made both of us very, very happy! We are truly leaving here with heavy hearts! Ruamrudee has enabled me to see the world through conferences, SEaSaC arts and plane trips back to america each summer...it has been a pleasure to be a part of this institution. I moved to Thailand from Cyprus which is made up of Greek culture...Greek people wear their emotions on their sleeves...a very fun thing to work with when you are an art teacher wanting reactions from students about things that they are passionate about. When I first entered the classroom here in Thailand I had a HuGE culture shock when I entered my classroom for the first time; it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, and blank stares from students who looked like they had no personality. Boy was I wrong. Learning to be patient and not to force myself onto this culture took time for me...but the waiting was worth it. I have met so many students that I now consider friends and will have in my life through different avenues for the rest of my life. There are two people that I would like to acknowledge here... First Gretchen DePoint-she is a woman that I worked with in the art department for two years. She was one of the best art teachers that I have ever worked with...she was tireless in pursuit of making our department really, really strong. I relied on her so much and I was never disappointed...she laid out all the plans for a really good ceramic area to make her space workable, but with all her hard work she was never able to enjoy the fruits of her labor! We still rely on each other for assessment of examining IB art. Second is Cathy Kemp-wow...what can I say about a woman that I literally share a room with each day...she keeps me organized, centered, and firmly in reality...she lets me vent about whatever, really listening to what I have to say and then reacts with what she really feels and not what she thinks I want to hear. We share ideas, even if they may be silly. We have been roommates during so many conferences that we just know how to share space with each other. In all my years of teaching I have never worked so closely with another person as I have these last two years with Cathy. It is going to take time for me to adjust next year...I will be lonely without her.

Juliane Rothan-Centers:

I am grateful that my first international school experience was RIS. Fabulous colleagues, bright and motivated students, abundant classroom resources and a beautiful campus, supportive administrators... what more could a teacher want? Thank you all.

AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Sharon Ronen:

I have met some amazing educators! My colleagues in the elementary school are brilliant, and I really appreciated being able to collaborate with my grade level partners and other teachers. I am grateful for the chance to help implement the Creative Curriculum within the Early Years Program at RIS. The preschool and pre-k students are adorable, adorable, adorable! They have made every day at school a really funny episode of “Kids Say the Darndest Things!” They are loving, enthusiastic, and clever young beings. a great memory is LaST year’s good-bye celebration, when Ms. Missy did an extremely unforgettable interpretive dance. I also want to commend my colleagues who are teaching assistants - they are amazing teachers and I literally could not have done my job without them. Finally, I appreciate all the opportunities to get to know my colleagues outside of school. I will always remember my extended family in Thailand!

Blythe Rennie:

My positive experiences at RIS have been all about the drama productions. acting in and doing all the dance choreography for Guys and Dolls in the high school in my first year; working with middle school students for the productions of The Wishing Tree; Romeo and Julie; It’s Not You, It’s Me and Girl in Da Hoodie; and the collaborative effort of middle and high school students for the Performing arts promenade production of Grimm Tales. The students at RIS are one in a million. Their happiness, outgoing and upbeat attitude, desire to learn and strive for the best is what makes them some of the best students I’ve had the pleasure of teaching. Their energy and enthusiasm is contagious! My favorite memories are seeing once-shy students transform into confident performers from being in my drama classes. What can I say? The middle school is where it’s at! It’s been a joy to come to work with individuals who are fun, passionate, and dedicated to their teachings. I have learned so much from my colleagues - both in and out of school! Thanks for the memories.

R. Court Williams:

I’ve loved my time at RIS and met some great people during my time here. RIS has great students. I’ve enjoyed their eagerness for learning and appreciated their respect for teachers. The best part of RIS is the teachers and it’s the reason I stayed for six years.

AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Peter Baer:

There are many reasons that I feel lucky to have even briefly been a part of the RIS community. It’s a school with real history and at the same time genuine warmth. I’ve loved living in Thailand, and I’ve learned so much - and I’ve been able to travel to so many amazing places! The students here are wonderful. Yes, they are hard-working, organized, and all that - but what I will remember is how caring and kind-hearted my students at RIS have been. I have felt blessed every day to be able to work with such inquisitive, funny, weird, incredible young people. There are a lot of really strong teachers and staff members at RIS, and I’m especially grateful that I had the chance to get to know so many of them personally. Thank you to everyone for helping us make a home at RIS!

Marc Sabb:

I came to RIS with the intent of staying just the minimum two years, an adventure after retirement. This will cap off my fifth year so the RIS experience must be good for me to have stayed so long when I did not have to work. RIS has been good to me. There is drama at every school but the positive far outweighs the negative. RIS takes good care of us by handling the visa, work permit, health, and other legal issues. I think that Miss Tim, as faculty liaison, is the single most important and professional employee here. Personally, I have wanted for nothing professionally since I arrived. When I was hired I was told I would have the best students ever. However I found them to be pretty much the same as my students of 15 years at an arizona public school. Teens seem to be the essentially the same everywhere. Overall I do have a higher percentage of high achievers but not a huge difference. I have had a very good time with the kids here, most of them get most of my sarcasm and most work diligently without too much direct guidance. I am extremely socratic and students here initially have a hard time with that but after a few months they come around. RIS kids adapt quickly. It was a pleasant surprise that I could make similar kinds of human connections with the kids here as the kids back home. It is the kids that make teaching bearable. Most of the RIS staff have been a pleasure to work with. They are very collegial and helpful to new teachers. This was my first overseas posting and I asked a lot of questions and sought a lot of help. Those questions always met with positive reactions, whether they were work or life in Thailand related. The RIS teaching staff is of a high caliber and most go above and beyond their job description, as teachers do everywhere. But here you have the unique international issues and the RIS staff handles those issues with aplomb. The science department staff has been a pure pleasure to work with, I have learned from all of them.

AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

Ray Rennie:

I have had a wonderful time teaching here at RIS and RIST. During the past three years I have taught Language arts, Discovery Science, Social Studies and values. I was fortunate to have had the Student and activities Coordinator position while at Redeemer International School Thailand. Teaching students from grades five to ten has allowed me the opportunity to get to know a large number of students at various phases of their education. It has truly been a pleasure to know these wonderful, intelligent, and very respectful students and their families. I have had the privilege to have taught with some of the most dedicated and professional educators from around the world. Many have become dear and close friends over the years. Teaching here at such a beautiful campus in Thailand has provided my wife and I with a fantastic opportunity to travel and see other wonderful locations in asia. Father Travis has been an inspiring spiritual leader at our school. It has been a real joy getting to know him. I have been truly blessed and I cannot think of a more perfect way to complete my teaching career than to have spent it here and teaching in the same school with my wife. I will miss the students and staff at our school but I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends in Canada.

Kittipong Aryuyo:

My teaching profession has grown a lot since I started working at RIST three years ago. These are such golden years for me. This year at RIS I have had to challenge myself in working with a bigger school. One of the best things while I am working here is an opportunity to broaden my intellectual horizon. The training I have experienced inside and outside of Thailand has provided me with many teaching strategies to share with my students. Students, thank you very much for your smiles, stories, and creative ideas. I am especially thankful for kids in the grade 5 non-Thai class. Your positive contributions, thoughtful ideas, and your laughter count. The Thai teachers who are with me whenever I need help, I am truly appreciative for your genuine support and effort on making the Thai program remarkable.

AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

eARTh (eWe) WEEk exTRAVAGANzA By anneliese zM

arth Week Extravaganza (EWE) has come and gone and we were prepared! Startingon the 22nd of april to the 26th of april, students sold and gave workshops about recycling to save the Earth. In the fall, every middle school student received an assignment in their Science class to make an item using recycled materials. The projects were diverse and exciting which the students shared during EWE by either organized workshops to teach others about their items, or offered for sale . For this project, you had to use creativity, patience, determination and most of all, imagination. Many students contributed in donating goods such as pots, pans, clothes, toys, shoes and more to help others. More and more bags of goods kept coming in, piling up higher each day. Everyone was encouraged to participate in helping. Community events like this are important because reusing instead of throwing away can help protect the environment. Remember that all the 4

AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

things that you don’t need anymore could benefit someone else.Like they say “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Some people may think that EWE is not actually beneficial to the Earth. Some people also think that there is no way that we can save the Earth, not after what we’ve done to cause it to become like this. However, it is never too late. We can still change the Earth’s condition. Instead of just thinking negative thoughts, and hoping that the Earth would get better by itself, why don’t we just help make it better? Every little bit makes a difference. Even if it is as little as turning off the lights when you don’t need it. Earth Week Extravaganza isn’t just thinking about nature, it is about feeling, and doing what you think is right.

Extravaganza (EWE) became a huge success. all Science teachers encouraged bringing in donations such as old shoes, clothes, and other lightly used items. By the end of Friday, the storage room for all the donations was filled to the brim, and we had difficulty fitting even more donations in. In total, there were over 100 bags of donations. There was also a homeroom competition to recycle plastic bottles.The wining house team collected 384 bottles! Some of these were then turned into a plastic water bottle tree, which was then used as a decorative item in the EWE-themed dance.

During lunch and milk breaks, recyclable products that were made by the students were also sold. These knick-knacks were a great way to buy something environmentally friendly, but also fun. Other than By: Pitchaporn (Dnee) this, there were also workshops set up in order to teach others how to Sirichantaropas, 8th grade create them on their own. This was Through the efforts of our Middle a big success, as shops quickly ran School Science section, and the out of merchandise, and workshop entire Middle School, Earth Week sessions were all but empty.

The dance was also a huge success, and great fun. at the end of Earth Week Extravaganza, some teachers performed a dance, rap and sang a modified version of the song “Baby” by Justin Bieber. They modified the lyrics to suit EWE, turning iconic phrases like “Baby Baby Baby” into “Reduce Reuse and Recycle.” Through the efforts of the Science Department, this year’s Earth Week Extravaganza was a huge success! By: Kunath (Max) Vorasadhit, 8th grade although it will last for only one week, but the week of april 22 - april 26 is one of the most timecommitment event of Middle School. During that week, which we named Earth Week Extravaganza, or EWE, is a week filled with fun, activities, and knowledge. although the event might last only a week, but our time we have spend into it lasted almost the whole school year. Students of Middle School have given their thoughts, creativity, and time, with the assistance of the Science Department, to create this extraordinary Earth Week.

the main goal of making children and young teens like us to be aware of the issue about trashing, and lighten our minds up with the importance of recycling and not trashing stuff. It’s a week full of fun and engaging activities, such as having students selling their handmade, recycled products which shows how useless trashes can turn into magnificent and useful products, which some are eager to teach their peers on a workshop of how to make the items. On Friday, april 26th, we also have the EWE fashion show, which shows the spectacular dresses and accessories made from “trash”, and the Earth Week Dance. It is the last dance of our school year promoting on our planet, elements of the Earth, and adding a sensation onto the week.

in this event. The result of EWE is outstanding; the work brings out great results as students participate in many different events and it becomes the center of attention for the whole middle school. However, I also want to inform that this event is not just fun, it is important for us. It reminds young teens like use the importance of recycling and not trashing, because all of these lazy and unnecessary actions will affect our lifestyle in the future. So, I really do hope that everyday will be Earth Day, the day in which everyone is aware of the Earth and stop trashing randomly, thus finding ways to lower carbon footprint. Because this is not only for the Earth, but for our future, too.

During this week, we have witnessed students bringing piles of old items they left at the houses in which they are willing to donate for charity, and the amount we received was tremendous! Before this week, we even have a homeroom competition to collect reusable materials and a logo contest to make the student feel engaged and part of it. Furthermore, Earth Week Extravaganza starts on we have a grading rubric to make Earth Day, which is on april 22, with sure that the students stay engaged By: Tarm, 8th grade

AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

The Life of Thai Border Patrol Police: What You Might

I on April 19, Father John Yuthana and Queen met with Police General Adul Saengsingkaew at the Royal Thai Police’s office of the General Commissioner.

The Commissioner invited Fr. John and Queen to express their thanks and appreciation for the project Queen has done to help the Thai border patrol police. The Police General also donated 10,000 baht to help support this great cause!

AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

n an attempt to raise public awareness about border patrol police, Weerawaroon (Queen) Mavichak, one of our grade 11 students, produced a video to show the hardships these officers face. In the clip, named “The Life of Thai Border Patrol Police: What You Might Not Know,” which she uploaded on her YouTube channel, Queen translated a Thai song written in honor of the police combined together with still and motion pictures of the officers. The video has been received with tremendous community support throughout Thailand. Queen became interested in this cause when she saw a picture in a local newspaper about the border police. She began doing research to learn more about the sacrifices these men make for our freedom everyday. after speaking to a Thai border policeman, Queen knew she needed to do something to help these courageous people. Queen set a goal to raise 1 Million Baht to purchase combat boots, socks, sneakers and basic necessities for the Thai Border Patrol Police. Queen set up a Facebook account, named Ruamrudee Project for Border Patrol Police, as a means for collecting money from interested donors. In addition, there will also be a donation box in the HS office for those interested in donating cash. Thank you to Queen for her giving up her time and energy to bring awareness to such an important

Not Know

RIS Faculty Fundraise for Education By Jillian Nichols

hroughout the months of March and april, faculty members from Ruamrudee International School came together to help raise money for a cause that they are passionate about: education. Over 50,000 THB was raised from over fifteen teachers, along with funds raised from the Chairs for Charity auction, all towards sponsoring children at the Baan Dada orphanage with their annual Cycling for Education event. The Chairs for Charity event was organized by art teachers across the sections at RIS, who designed and painted chairs (along with other faculty) to auction to the RIS community. The response was overwhelming and all chairs were sold to proud new owners including faculty, students, and parents. The total funds raised sponsored five children at Baan Dada orphanage in Huay Ma Lai village outside of Sangklaburi on their Cycling for Education event. This year fourteen students cycled nearly 700 km from Kanchanaburi to Phuket in only 12 days. Sponsorship towards The Cycling for Education event covers the school fees for all of the students in the Elementary and Secondary school for the coming school year. With the funds raised from the RIS community, over a third of the funds needed for all of the orphans’ education for the coming year was met! Supporting access to education for those who can’t afford it is just one more example of the RIS community helping others and staying true to being “a union of Hearts.”

AD Astra Volume 7 May 201

The Residence@ Ruamrudee International School

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Eliminate the time, cost, and stress of transportation to and from school each day! For more information: 02 791 8900, Ext. 345 lauraa@rism.ac.th

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