The Banner Fall 2018 by Seoul Foreign School

THE BANNER Networking for Professional Success

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Fall 2018 -

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A Celebration of Visual Arts at SFS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iti dolor molut ad utatinus natisintur ab ipsa secupta estorec epedio que endenimodit quisitem inctissi consectate pre nonem quassum queâ&#x20AC;? - Colm Flanagan

MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL

Contents 4 LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 5 LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR 6 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 7 OUR INSPIRATION : ART IS ALL AROUND US 8 ARTISTS FROM THE PLAYGROUND with Ingrid Bookhamer 10 ART IN THE THE MIDDLE YEARS with Libby Beaty

12 A LIFE WITHOUT ART IS NO LIFEâ&#x20AC;¦ BRITISH SCHOOL ART with Ruth Carleton 14 DEVELOPING OUR VOICE - HIGH SCHOOL ART with Harrison Creech COVER STORY: Master Kim, Tschang-Yeul (b. 1929) Waterdrops, 2018, Oil on canvas. Donated by the artist to our Seoul Foreign High School hoping to inspire all SFS students. Master Kim is an SFS grandparent.

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16 GALLERY - A Selection of Amazing Artists! 19

THE SPIRIT

20 KATIE MYONG - Following a Dream 21

ALICE LEE - A Passion for Fashion

ART IN COMPETITION

PARENTS IN ART & DESIGN

ALUMNI ARTISTS

VISUAL ARTS IN PERFORMING ARTS

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2018 The digital version of SFS Banner Magazine available on www.seoulforeign.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/BANNER_2018Fall.pdf.

A Celebration of Visual Arts at SFS

Our Art Lab - Home to students in Grades 9 ~12. It’s a perfect site for creativity and inspiration with huge walls and areas of contemplation plus vast windows for natural light.

by Andrea Cheon, HS Grade 11

HIGH SCHOOL - A WORK OF ART!

THE MAGPIE - Art Publication

CAMP SFS - Recent Alumni

ALUMNI REUNIONS

TAECHON BEACH ASSOCIATION

GRADUATION WEEK

ADVANCEMENT LETTER

SEUNG MIN NAM - An Amazing Donor

SPECIAL GIFTS - Amazing Donors

MEDIA EQUIPMENT - Gifts to Last

DONOR COMMUNITY

TEAM Editor: Jane Forster Sub-Editor: Sinead Flanagan Designer & Photographer: Juhie Suh Collaborators: Yoojin Um, Jack Moon Address Seoul Foreign School, 39 Yeonhui-ro 22-gil, Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea, 03723 www.seoulforeign.org The Marketing & Communications Office publishes print versions of The Banner three times a year: November, February and May. Unless otherwise noted, articles may be reprinted without permission - as long as they are not edited or revised - with appropriate credit given to “The Banner, the magazine for Seoul Foreign School.”

MARGARET MOORE - An Obituary by Edie Moon 43 44

SPORT FOR ALL by Susan Sell-Haynes

SOCCER FOR GIRLS

VOLLEYBALL FOR GIRLS

AQUATICS - Why Choose the Pool!

A UNITED COMMUNITY

*All efforts have been made to check details and consistency. Please contact us with any queries.

by Jaquelyn Hahn, HS Grade 11

SF S B A N N ER

Dear SFS

Community Y

ou will see that our Banner this month is dedicated to the visual arts. This is appropriate in many ways but not least because our " Art has a profound school campus is looking beautiful impact on students. right now. Of I remember taking a class course it’s the Fall and the weather of four year olds to the and trees are showing Korea at its best. But Tate Museum in London, with the demolition of the old High School and the landscaping of the area on which it (25 years ago!) and stood, we have been able to create a flow and seeing how the children an openness to our campus that so many in our community have commented upon. The responded to the amazing Korean Gate has now taken on an even more artwork with a sense of iconic stature and with our added lighting, it looks breathtaking when the sun goes down.

wonder and creativity." The Snail, 1953 by Henri Matisse

To those of you who have not had an opportunity to explore our new High School, let me encourage you to reach out to us; we

are thrilled with a learning space that almost feels like a work of art in itself. Our front cover shows a picture, ‘Water Drops’, an original work of art gifted to the school by Master Tschang-Yeul Kim. The picture holds pride of place in our High School community area and is piece of art capable of inspiring our students. We are truly grateful. Our Middle Years Library too has created a stunning environment for students of the British School and Middle School to further develop a love of learning and literature. Moreover, when you walk into the Elementary School, one only has to look left to see the ever changing display that showcases the wonderful artwork that our younger students create. Art has a profound impact on students. I remember taking a class of four year olds to the Tate Museum in London, (25 years ago!) and seeing how the children responded to the amazing artwork with a sense of wonder and creativity. In front of Henri Matisse’s ‘The Snail’, the class immediately wanted to produce their own versions. We sat down on the floor of this famous art gallery and created our own art. That sense of urgent creativity is something that is hard wired in us all but can, if not fostered, fade over the years. As a school, dedicated to ‘creative excellence’ we aim to keep that spark of creativity alive through our teaching, our curriculum and our environment. Our Banner is beautiful this month. I encourage you to spend a little leisure time enjoying its pages. Best wishes & God Bless, Colm Flanagan Head of School

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by Pauline Stehle, HS Grade 11

LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

Message from Our Board

ES classroom art

reetings to you in this crisp Fall season. With big changes to our campus marking the start of the school year, it’s a great credit to SFS’ administrators, faculty and staff planning - as well as the character of our students - that all have made the transition go so smoothly. As you may know, the Board is transitioning to a new structure as well. As our Head of School Colm Flanagan shared in his September 14 email to the community, following a process of extensive thought and consultation, this Spring our school governing bodies approved a new two-tier structure. Along with working on updating bylaws and policies to complete this change, the Board will undertake training this year to best implement our more streamlined governance structure. I’d like to encourage you to attend the Board’s Parent Information evening on Wednesday, November 7 for more insight about this and other important SFS news - you’ll see more communication about this soon. This year the SFS Board of Governors welcomes five new members, including two members appointed specifically from the British School community, to carry out our new structural merge with the British School Board of Governors. On September 1 the Board undertook our annual Orientation and training session to open the year and held our first Board meeting on September 15. One of our orientation exercises offered an encouraging glimpse into the care our Board brings to its work, both individually and collectively. First by ourselves, and then collaborating in larger groups, we were asked to complete the phrase, “We want our school's legacy to be...” Our groups came up with these two statements.

character who will inspire the world with their lives and values. To me this displays the dedication each member brings to our governance and decisions. Once more this year, our SFS Board of Governors is looking forward to serving SFS and building its legacy in all we do. As a fellow member of our SFS community, allow me to ask you: what do you see as SFS’ legacy in your life? What would you most want SFS’ legacy to be for the future, and how can you take part in building that legacy? "Our most lasting work One of my favorite quotes is attributed to of art is our community Mahatma Gandhi, who said, “Be the change you want to see.” Our SFS Mission is: “Seoul and our legacy." Foreign School, centered in Christ, inspires a passion for learning, pursues academic and creative excellence and is dedicated to the service of others.” Thank you for all the ways you take part in carrying out that mission and help to build our SFS legacy, in the service of our Lord. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters [...] It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” - Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) Penelope Kim Board Chair

2018-2019 SFS Board Members Front Row, Left to Right : Sally Shim, Colm Flanagan, Penelope Kim, Steven Kim, Silvia Kim Back Row, Left to Right : Jennifer Woo, Peter Kim, Dean Park, Alain Nass, Mike Welch, Andrew Chung, Graham Dodds, Kurtis Jang, KyungEn Kim

We want SFS’ legacy to be: 1) A lifelong community equipped and inspired to light the world. 2) Academic excellence that produces students/future leaders with principled SF S B A N N ER

LETTER FROM MARKETING

Welcome to Our

Visual Arts Issue! T

“SFS has a fantastic reputation in the visual arts. When I started

he inspiration for this issue came (literally) a day after publication of the last issue of The Banner. I asked for feedback - and I had so much response! Thank you! A teacher immediately pointed out that there was little attention paid to the visual arts in that issue - and as soon as I started looking I could not stop noticing incredible art all around us.

researching I discovered SFS has a fantastic reputation in the visual so many great stories arts. When I started researching I discovered amongst current students, faculty and the parent community. This Issue could have been twice as big!”

so many great stories amongst current students, faculty and the parent community. Our former students are artists, designers, animators and architects. Some of our former students have returned here to share their artistic skills - John Black in the theatre department; Harrison Creech teaching High School Art and Juhie Suh our Designer - who is responsible for making this issue look amazing. The real heroes of our visual arts on campus are the art teachers. They inspire and motivate our students to be the best that they can be. They urge each individual to open their

Hand Tape Mural by Teri Shim and Toni Ban, MS Grade 8

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eyes and look around them and find their own personality in their pieces. From the youngest child creating a salt dough face to the most complex IB visual arts submission our students are urged to be themselves. Nothing is “wrong” when it comes to art class. Each art classroom is stimulating to the senses. All of them are filled with a riot of colour and texture. It’s not just pictures on walls but sculptures in many different mediums. And each time you enter you see something different. I loved chatting with all our art teachers and wished I could go back to class. A huge thank you for your efforts to Ingrid Bookhamer, Libby Beaty, Ruth Carleton and Harrison Creech - and all your teams. Finally - if you haven’t had a chance to do it yet - if you’re new to Seoul or have been here so long you’ve forgotten - get out to some of the galleries and museums in Seoul and experience the art of Seoul, Korea and the world around us. And bring the inspiration back to Seoul Foreign School! (My personal favourites are the art rooms of the second floor of the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan. Calm and beautiful.) Please share your feedback on this issue. We’d love to make things better every time…. Jane Forster Director of Marketing and Communications

Art is All Around Us! BS Art classroom wall

hen you stop and look around Seoul Foreign School, you see that art is all around us in so many different forms. Everywhere there are carefully curated pieces of art…. Some art is permanent and some is temporary but all is equally valuable. If you pick up a school brochure or calendar or look at our ads on the printed or digital page - someone has designed and chosen that image. Our classroom art is everywhere - in the homerooms, the art rooms and the corridors of every school… Every square metre exudes creativity and thought. Our Performing Arts department is intrinsically linked to visual arts from the posters for every show to the backdrops and scenery of the performances themselves. Paintings are donated to the school and parents share their artistic talents. And one of the most amazing pieces of art must surely be our new High School itself… Take a walk around campus and be inspired by our students and our faculty. A Set for HS Musical 'Anything Goes', photography by Siwon Lee, Grade 9

Kindergarten Classroom Art

Mural from our previous High School building SF S B A N N ER

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ART

Artists from the Playground

Ingrid Bookhamer is responsible for teaching Art and Design to our Elementary School students. Her classroom is filled with amazing projects and there is inspiration on every wall and in every corner. Ingrid has been at Seoul Foreign School for 6 years. A talented artist herself - specialising in glasswork, Ingrid is a passionate believer in the value of art in the PYP. Walk the corridors of the Elementary School and see the results of the students' hard work.

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“I believe that art as an expression comes from a place deep within. Creativity is innate and my passion is to find a way to allow each child to tap into that creative space and to believe in their voice and their own abilities. Direct instruction and practice with various mediums helps children to build the skills they need to feel successful and competent, but choice and freedom allow kids to make meaning within their art, which is also essential. I feel grateful to be in a position where I get to see children experiencing the joy that comes with creativity each and every day.” - Ingrid Bookhamer

ere Ingrid explains how art is taught as part of the PYP - and how each individual child can develop and shine….

Art as a Process

The actual process of creating art is even more valuable than the masterpieces, or finished products that result. Within this process, students learn how to create, explore, make mistakes (and grow from them), make choices, express feelings or ideas and appreciate the aesthetic. PYP Art moves in a cycle of action and reflection, in which students are encouraged to create and then to reflect on their art and the art of others. Students build a physical and digital portfolio of work. Students are also given time to work at centers or in their sketchbooks to develop their own interests and preferences in art. PYP Arts at SFES involves independent art

inquiry through varied experiences including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, weaving, printmaking, mixed media and design. Many units complement a unit of inquiry taking place at a particular grade level and students are able to make meaningful connections between the learning occurring in their homeroom class and in the art studio.

Art as a Progression

Younger students are given many opportunities to improve their fine motor skills, to interact with various tools and techniques and to build their audience skills. Language and literature complement the taught curriculum and help drive inquiry. We strive to be a “community of artists”, helping one another and working together to accomplish our goals. As children progress through the grade

ES Students in class

levels, experiences are tailored to their interests and needs in order to help them develop proficiency. Students study art from various artists, time periods and cultures. We aim to become critical thinkers as we discuss how the artist may have used Color Theory, The Elements Of Art or the Principles of Design to create his or her artwork. Or, perhaps we will see that the artist had a message to convey through the piece. We sometimes notice that appreciation of aesthetics differs between people and we come to understand that this is OK. All students are taught how to care for their tools and materials and are encouraged to respect the environment in which they learn. Above all, individual creativity is encouraged and valued in the art classroom.

(Left) Hamish Carr - ES, Grade 5 â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the metal work that we are doing, I am connecting to the culture of my home country. I put in a few adjectives describing the Maori culture by using line and shape to convey the meaning. They often use line and shape in their art when they draw koru patterns and I was inspired by this. Also, I hid letters in the art from my name. I enjoyed doing the background of the metal work; that was pretty fun. To extend it, I kept on drawing the lines into the distance, so it goes from the metal to the paper. â&#x20AC;&#x153;

(Below) 2nd Grade "Glow in the Dark Art Show" Oct 4th - Oct 16th. The "Glow in the Dark" art show connects to the unit of inquiry on Light and Sound: Light & Sound can be used to create dramatic effects.

Art as a Presentation

Student process, reflections and photographs of finished works are showcased on SeeSaw for students and parents, which serves as a digital portfolio of student work and growth. Throughout the year, there are also opportunities for parents to come to the art room, such as during our Student-Led Conferences, to view the process the students took to create a particular work of art and to understand the inquiry that fueled the exploration. SF S B A N N ER

ART IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Art in the Middle Years Hand Tape Mural by Jean Kim and Anna Wang, MS Grade 8

Libby Beaty giving a demo on how to create a modroc mask for Grade 7

“I am passionate about Art and Art Education. The Art Room provides a special space in the school day where students can get their hands dirty, explore their ideas in a very tangible way and take creative risks. One of my favorite quotes from author Sir Ken Robinson states that, “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you will never come up with anything original.” I believe this statement is so fitting for art, as the creative process requires a growth mindset and the ability to think of more than one solution to a problem. This divergent thinking and growth mindset are skills that will benefit students throughout their lives.” - Libby Beaty

Hand Tape Mural by Patrick Sustarsic and Ryan Suh, MS Grade 8

ibby joined the Middle School as Art Teacher this year and is already making her mark on the school and inspiring her students to push themselves… Here Libby describes how her background and her previous homes and roles have influenced her work and her teaching. "I have loved to dream and create for as long as I can remember! Growing up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK), and living and traveling to many different countries as an adult has greatly influenced me as a person and also as an artist. Starting off in Kentucky, I learned the significance of folk art. Living in the Democratic Republic of Congo I saw the importance of color and pattern in textile art. Living in Kenya as a

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teenager, I grew in my understanding of how important art was to me and how my surroundings had a significant impact on my own artistic expression. Qatar proved to me that profound beauty also comes in neutral tones and the simplicity of the desert landscape. India confirmed my belief that art can be created out of anything. Norway encouraged my love of photography and South Korea is showing me once again that no matter where in the world you go, there is new and exciting artwork to see! I feel very blessed to spend my days in a creative space, sharing my passion for art with my students and learning alongside them each day.

Mask by Judith Tibblin, MS Grade 7 (Top Left) Artist in Progress

Besides displaying artwork in the hallways and library in the Middle School, I post photos daily on our Art Instagram account. @sfmsartrocks and sometimes on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LibbyBeaty" Shiwoo Lee and Jibin Pak, MS Grade 6

Cameron Kim, MS Grade 6 "I enjoy the aspect of being able to do what you want to do, but with a little guidance."

"I enjoyed being able to express myself and part of who I am through my mask. It shows my personality. My inspiration was growing up in Sweden, surrounded by nature." - Judith Tibblin, Grade 7

Art as part of the MYP

rt In the Middle Years at Seoul Foreign School is part of the IB MYP and is a core part of the framework. Arts in the MYP stimulate young imaginations, challenge perceptions and develop creative and analytical skills. The course encourages students to understand the context and cultural histories of artworks, supporting the development of an inquiring and empathetic world view. Arts challenge and enrich personal identity and build awareness of the aesthetic in a real-world context. The aims of MYP arts are to encourage and enable students to: • create and present art • develop skills specific to the discipline • engage in a process of creative exploration and (self-) discovery • make purposeful connections between investigation and practice • understand the relationship between art and its contexts • respond to and reflect on art • deepen their understanding of the world.

SF S B A N N ER

ART IN THE BRITISH SCHOOL

without Art No Life…

A Life Is

" It is my belief that creativity can be expressed in seemingly endless ways, and that creative people view the world differently to non-creatives. This adds a deeper appreciation of everyday life and the world in which we live, enriching our lives significantly. This is what I mean by #NoArtNoLife." - Ruth Carleton

by Minjoon Kim, Grade 8

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uth Carleton teaches Art to our British School students. Her passion for art inspires them all and makes them think, react, wonder and create. When I think of Ruth’s art classes two things come to mind. Firstly - the door to her room is the best door on campus you could never be in any doubt that creativity lies within! Secondly, my own daughter is taught by Ruth and one cold morning she said to me… “ Oh, no - school again…” Then within a heartbeat she said “Oh it’s art class today - that’s good…” and sprang out of bed. You cannot ask for more of a teacher! Here Ruth explains her love of art and her inspirations...

love for concrete and straight lines!

"I cannot remember what my life was like without art. Throughout my school years I divided my spare time between the art room and the sports field. In university I worked in many different mediums, including metal, clay, wood, paint, textiles and paper. I am deeply inspired by architecture and the built environment, especially modernist and brutalist architecture, and have an ongoing

You can follow Ruth on her Instagram account SFBS_NoArtNoLife

My goal as an art educator is to encourage, inspire and teach my students to see the world around them in a different way. Of course I value technical art skills, and teach my students how to acquire and improve such skills, but even more important to me is CREATIVITY. It is my belief that creativity can be expressed in seemingly endless ways, and that creative people view the world differently to noncreatives. This adds a deeper appreciation of everyday life and the world in which we live, enriching our lives significantly. This is what I mean by #NoArtNoLife."

by Sojeong Han, Grade 9

(Left) Ruth Carleton, (Right) BS Year 6 Field Trip to the Exhibition Doodle World (Top) Student Work inspired by the exhibition (Below) Stained Glass Mimic Work by BS Students on their classroom window

Art and Design Programme of Study:

Key stage 1-3 English National Curriculum

rt, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape history and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of nations. The national curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils: • produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences • become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques • evaluate and analyze creative works using the language of art, craft and design • know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms. SF S B A N N ER

ART IN THE HIGH SCHOOL

Developing

Our Voice by Georgia Yoo - Grade 11

Harrison Creech is an educator who embraces an atmosphere where it is safe to take risks. Ultimately his aims lie in being part of a community which encourages students to appreciate and develop their creative traits, to show them ways to enrich their lives in the present, to help them become lifelong learners and to become adults who find joy and delight in knowing more.

by Laura Chung, HS Grade 11

ur High School Visual Arts programme is led by Harrison Creech - who could easily have appeared in several parts of this magazine. Harrison was himself an SFS student and it was in the art rooms of the old High School that Harrison found his own artistic voice. He says, â&#x20AC;&#x153; I realised that art was my calling and my passion when I was in High School myself. During lunch periods when I was free to go where I wanted - I went to the art room.â&#x20AC;? Harrison earned a BA in Arts Education from Asbury University and a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies at Pacific Northwest College of Art. His work investigates cross-cultural sites of exchange and how identity is formed in a foreign culture. Through a variety of media including weaving, video projection, and bookmaking, he explores how language, time and objects can be used to examine communication and miscommunication.

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Being an artist with a creative practice has always informed his teaching. As an educator, he currently teaches the Visual Arts Middle Years and Diploma Programs in the high school. He believes in young people who are passionate and feel deeply about the tragedy and beauty of life, who appreciate shapes, sounds, and textures and who mold thoughts and materials with a sense of excitement. Harrison is very proud to be an alumni of SFS and to work and serve at the very school where he learned to love the practice of artmaking. He always dreamed of returning as a teacher and investing in the community that played such a large role in his development as a person and artist. Harrison and his colleague Anna Park teach students in the new art room on the top floor of the High School building. The room has been fitted out to the highest possible standard with huge spaces for the students to give vent

to their talent and creativity. There are endless display spaces and the whole area is flooded with natural light (and amazing views!) By the time students reach the High School they have often found a voice which they want to express further. The MYP and DP encourage students to use many mediums to express themselves. Within the pages of this magazine you can see art involving watercolour, acrylic, oil, fabric, paper, clay and much more. A single brief can be interpreted in many different ways. In Grades 9-12 students start to learn about the History of Art; they work on many different briefs and as they progress further up the school and choose Visual Arts as one of the IB Diploma subjects they prepare art for the IBVA Exhibition held annually in the Upper Lyso. In Grade 11 some of our students start to think about art as a choice of degree subject and they then begin to work on their portfolios.

(Top Left) by Kevin Jung - Grade 11 (Top Right) Harrison Creech with HS Students in class (Middle) by Alix Juery - Grade 11 (Bottom) by Ji-in Kang - Grade 11

Extra-curricular opportunities are huge with students able to contribute to The Magpie and The Spirit. They can also join The High School Photography Club (set up this year by Thomas Kang and Hojae Lim) and be part of a team creating visuals this way. The Sports Council also provide awesome images of our sports teams. Watch out for all these images - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredible what we see around us that comes from these talented students. It may be more than you think!

SF S B A N N ER

GALLERY

Grade 2 Folk Art Mirrors

Theodore Sandhu, PreK-4

Aliyah Oumarkatar, Grade 3

Cahaya Church, Grade 4

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Maxine Meric, Grade 3

Grade 3 Clay Monsters

Eduard Vlk, Grade 2

GALLERY

Tony Wang, Grade 5

Grade 2 "Glow in the Dark Art Show"

Shay Gambash, Grade 5

June Kim, Grade 4

BS Classroom Art

*In the Gallery grades given are when students completed the work.

June Reeve, MS Grade 7

Skylar Won, MS Grade 8 SF S B A N N ER

GALLERY

Aura Arif, HS Grade 11 (Left) Detail

Renee Chang, HS Grade 11 (Right) Detail

Annalise Holcomb, HS Grade 11 (Left) Detail

Joey Newman, HS Grade 11 (Right) Detail

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ART PUBLICATION

The Spirit “ I am endlessly amazed and inspired by the work I see. The students work so hard and approach it with a professional eye. I’m never surprised to hear that the Spirit contributors have gone on to study art and then to make careers in the world of art.” - Susan Kong, HS Spirit Advisor

he Spirit Magazine is a student produced magazine which offers an opportunity to High School students to express their creativity. They are able to write, edit and shape the pieces which showcase life in the High School. The art work and photography help present a unique student perspective and the artists’ work appears on posters, announcements and social media as well as in the printed and digital magazine. The magazine appears monthly and is distributed amongst students and around the school. The team is large and each issue allows each individual to shine. Take a look and be amazed by our students!

by Soyeon Kim, HS Grade 10

by Katie Myong, Alice Choi, Mathilde Doherty, Anna Min

SF S B AN N ER

FOCUS ON OUR STUDENTS

Here we showcase two amazingly talented Seniors who have a passion for visual arts and are making them their focus in the college application progress.

Katie Myong

Following a Dream “Who says only “talented” people can be artists… It’s less of a talent but a learnt skill. Practice. Do what you enjoy doing. Explore…. People think of the Old Masters when they think of artists but all that has changed and art is a huge spectrum. Don’t put yourself in a box….” Birds by Katie Myong, HS Grade 12

Katie is in her final year at Seoul Foreign School having joined at the age of five and progressed through Elementary and Middle School. Many teachers mentioned Katie as embodying a student with a real, sustained passion for the Arts.

K Window Scene by Katie Myong

Photography by Siwon Lee, HS Grade 9

Katie Myong as Hope in Anything Goes

atie was inspired at an early age by Disney’s 'A Little Mermaid' - she watched it over and over and started to draw the colours and characters. As her childhood progressed she found inspiration in all types of art and in all her teachers - including Ingrid Bookhamer who taught her in Middle School and immediately saw her potential. She cites Katie not only as an inspiration to herself and fellow teachers but to her classmates and younger students, too.

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Katie is definitely multi talented appearing in the High School shows - she was Sandy in Grease and Hope in Anything Goes! She talks about alumni Eunice Lee who starred in 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' when Katie was a Freshman. Eunice went on to do Visual Arts and this inspired Katie to believe that she could do both, enjoy both and be good at both! Who will Katie inspire with her passion and creativity? There Are No Words by Katie Myong

Katie’s hope is to go to Cal Arts to do Character Animation(though she has, of course, alternative courses to consider.) This prestigious school only accepts a very small number of students a year so Katie has been refining her portfolio and her sketchbook over the Summer. As Katie says, “Include your best work and what really represents you. Don’t crowd it…” Katie gives great advice to younger students who might think they are “no good” at art. She says, “Who says only “talented” people

can be artists… It’s less of a talent but a learnt skill. Practice. Do what you enjoy doing. Explore…. People think of the Old Masters when they think of artists but all that has changed and art is a huge spectrum. Don’t put yourself in a box….”

Alice Lee

Passion for Fashion

"I would like to say to younger students that the best way to enjoy art class is to treat it as a hobby. Passion and love are essential for you to gain accomplishment. It's been said, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Alice Lee is a High School Senior whose dream is to go to Parsons and study Art. Here she describes the process of applying to college and shares her inspirations and passions. She also offers advice to younger students and thanks a very special teacher.

have been interested in art since I was young. After watching a lot of Japanese animation, I started to make sketches of the characters. This later developed into my interest in fashion. However, majoring in art didn’t come to mind until last year when I settled my goal on fashion design after attending the RISD summer pre-college program. Both IGCSE art and IB art classes helped me to develop my interests and skills. I would like to say that all the art teachers I had were supportive. Not only on the school course but they also helped me to shape my future plan. Here, I have a special shout out to Mr. Bert Young (left SFS in the Summer), the most excellent teacher/ artist I ever knew. He was always patient and reliable. Seeing him both as an artist with amazing skills and as a teacher, I was motivated to improve and use my ability well for others in the future.

are required to submit 10-15 pieces of their recent work that cover multiple art media such as drawing and painting. I prepared about 14 works, and will hand in different ones depending on different schools’ preferences. Some schools prefer to see the thinking and developing process; some schools might prefer students to show their artistic skills. The submission method varies, but it is usually through an online website. Many art schools have their own task as well. Always check! I would like to say to younger students that the best way to enjoy art class is to treat it as a hobby. Passion and love are essential for you to gain accomplishment. So, for students who are considering of taking art, please ask yourself if you have the determination to put effort and time into it. If you are already in art class, treat it as a hobby rather than a school course that you have to work at."

Paper Dress by Alice Lee, HS Grade 12

Emotions by Alice Lee

Flowers on Fabric by Alice Lee

How you best prepare to study art depends on the schools that you are applying to. Besides the Common Application, students SF S B A N N ER

ART COMPETITIONS AND DISPLAYS

Chrystal Cho A Young Competitor (Top Backdrop) Detail of Chrystal's Art submitted for the Korean Air Competition. (Bottom Left) Chrystal interviewed by Mrs Bookhamer

Chrystal Cho is a 3rd Grader with a passion for art which has led her to compete and receive an honourable mention in the Korean Air annual art awards.

decided to enter the contest because I was a little bored. Then, we found this Korean Air contest and the one who wins would get their picture on the plane. I have two pets and they inspired me…. They are turtles, Sweet and Sour, and the theme was “Me and My Pet”, and I wanted to travel the whole world with my pet. I am riding on my turtles and they are giant in the picture. I used a lot of things: crayons, paint, pastel colors. On my picture, I put the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I had to search up some images to learn how to draw them. I drew the planet and the structures coming out and me riding on the turtles through the galaxy. It took me between 2-4 weeks to complete the picture, and I worked on it almost every day. I like art because it makes me relax and it gets the creative part of the mind going. I like using different mediums such as paint, glitter, crayons, colored pencils and watercolor pencils. I really want to make cool things in art, but I don’t always have enough time to make something really detailed. I think I could be a designer or an architect one day.

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

s a school we have an excellent record of entering and succeeding in these awards. Established in 1923 the Awards exist to promote creativity in students across the US and beyond. The Scholastic Awards look for work that demonstrates originality, technical skill, and emergence of a personal voice or vision. In 2017-18, Seoul Foreign School students outperformed their peers across the 29 categories of Visual and Literary Arts. Judges assessed over 330,000 entries from Grade 7-12 students in the States and in International Schools around the world. In the Writing categories SFS pupils accounted for 52 Awards - 12 of them were Gold Keys - more than any other school in Korea! In Art we achieved 8 Gold Keys - the second highest of all Korean schools. Our Middle Years and High School students can enter a piece of creative writing or a piece of original art. Talk to our amazing art and literature teachers about how to progress. Middle School students can also contact Cameron Munce who will oversee our competitive efforts! 22

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Light of My City by Jenny Im, Class of '18

PARENTS IN ART AND DESIGN

Peter Choi Architect

We have an amazingly artistic parent community. Here, 3 parents tell us how and why they chose their careers in Visual Arts.

Peter Choi is a parent to Kate Choi, Middle School student. Peter is a very successful architect with 'design camp moon park dmp architects.' As ex Vice Chair of the Seoul Foreign School Board, Peter was a key part of the design approval process of our new High School. He is passionate about all aspects of design and photography. Here he explains his early influence and inspiration for his career choice and shares some of his sketches!

ver since I can remember, I carried around a sketchbook in one form or another. My way of trying to understand the world was by sketching it as much as I could. The curiosity that motivated my drawings helped me to understand the world I lived in. Looking out the window, my interest went to buildings. That was in second grade. Soon I was captivated by construction sites. Living in Baltimore during a time when the inner harbor area was going through an urban renaissance, I was entranced by how the built environment could so significantly change our world. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what architecture was but I

figured out that there was something so optimistic in its basic nature. A new classroom building revives a school, a new hospital brings life to a community. To me, architecture is incredibly transformative. Done well, good architecture can stir our emotions and impart inspiration and wonder. As an architect, I am equal parts listener, problem-solver, diplomat, engineer, and artist. Most importantly, to be an architect you have to love people in all of their good and bad. After all, you are not creating a sculpture or a painting, but a vessel for people to live and work in.

(Top Backdrop) Center 1 Mirae Asset (Left) Sketchbook (Bottom) Ehwa University Dormitories

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PARENTS IN ART AND DESIGN

As Deri

Retail Designer As Deri is from The Netherlands and is a parent to Sem in Middle School and Mika in Elementary School. He has a lifelong passion for design and Art and Design, which he has followed while living in Europe, Africa and Asiaâ&#x20AC;Ś.

L (Top Backdrop) Bonsai, a favorite hobby (Top Left) As Deri at an early stage of production

ike many SFS parents I have travelled around the world and made my home in many different countries in several continents. Frequent relocation is not always easy. Nevertheless I try to find inspiration everywhere I go especially when it comes to Art and Design. For example, while living in the Philippines I was inspired by the amazing natural resources I found there - and ideas were easy to facilitate with an abundance of enthusiastic and creative labour. I studied International Business and Management but discovered my talent for

design soon after when we moved to Mali, West Africa. I started with furniture and tribal home deco. After a while I was offered the opportunity to design home interiors using my collections. My true joy however is retail design, mainly restaurants and stores. I work closely with clients, operations departments, architects, contractors, suppliers and display teams. We work to transform a shell into an exciting commercial space. Design and art are part of my relaxation, too. While here in Korea I have been working with a Korean Bonsai Master and Bonsai has become an obsession. My style is not traditional - and I sometimes frustrate my teacher by refusing to adhere to the traditional rules but I feel I am adding to my identity as a designer each time I create something which is uniqueâ&#x20AC;Ś.

(Middle, Bottom Left and Right) Work Examples by As Deri

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PARENTS IN ART AND DESIGN

Peter Kim

User Experience Designer Peter Kim is a parent to Sebi in Year 5 of the British School. From an early age arts have been his passion and after pursuing a degree in Fine Arts he now works as a User Experience Designer. Here he explains how he followed this career path.

realized early on that I would be pursuing a career that would have something to do with the arts. My undergraduate degree was in Fine Arts and it was soon after I graduated and moved back to New York that I didn’t want my degree to limit the mediums in which I would explore. A need to pay the rent led me to the world of advertising. I spent three and a half years performing fabrication work for the lead creatives in the agency. From there, I applied to graduate schools and eventually pursued a Master’s degree in Design at Pratt Institute. It was a wonderful time when people were acknowledging the importance of good design in everyday products. My first job after graduation was for Samsung Electronics. For three and a half years I took part in all facets of product design; from planning to design to 3D modeling. I am currently a user experience designer. This means that I develop a design that forms the means in which people interface with the objects around them (kiosk, atm, smartphone, laptop). Growing up, Art was a safe-haven for me. I never felt as comfortable and engaged in any of my other classes. To me, all forms of creativity represented a pursuit that didn’t involve hours of memorization or facts that were not meant to be challenged. As a young rebellious teenager, I joined the Huntington Fine Arts Workshop in Long Island, New York. There, I met my mentor: Joseph Mack. He helped all of us develop our foundational art skills. We spent 3 hours after school

painting, drawing and sculpting while preparing our portfolios for university. Additionally, I was able to meet and befriend like-minded people to form a community. Looking back, this was a unique experience that I will cherish for my entire life.

(Top Backdrop) (Bottom Right Corner) Examples of User Experience Designed by Peter Kim

I think the arts are a perfect counter-balance to the science, data, logic, fact driven aspects of a child’s education. Everyone needs an outlet for their ideas to flourish. For a person to become a well rounded member of society, I believe that even without talent or passion, understanding the foundation of art and design is critical to later pursuits in life. For example, the city government official with some understanding in art, design and architecture will make better decisions that will affect all of us. The math teacher will have a better sense of information design and will therefore create more coherent study material. My advice to students is to focus on the basics. Learn to draw with pencil and paper. Art begins with the ability to observe; drawing as a habit will certainly help you develop this skill. Be innovative. Always be thinking about solving problems in new ways with an eye on the future.

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ALUMNI ART CAREERS

t is incredible how many SFS students pursue a career in the Arts. When we looked around we saw alumni shining in many artistic fields. Our Art rooms and inspirational faculty have produced architects, fine artists, product designers, animators and many many more. Here is a small selection of our favourite stories.

Catherine Breer Class of '82

have always wanted to be an artist. When I was young, I slept with a sketch book beside my bed so I could draw first thing when I woke up in the morning. At SFS, this love of art was nurtured by many wonderful art teachers. I studied drawing and painting with Thomas Gora and Missy Jacobson, and learned about Korean art with Mrs. Hahm. I studied at Emory University, majoring in Art History, but was able to take many classes at the Atlanta College of Art. After graduation from Emory, I studied at the Museum of Fine Arts School in Boston. I have been fortunate to be able to pursue both a career in graphic design and painting simultaneously. Currently I am working in the creative department at L.L Bean, working on both print and digital efforts. My paintings are represented by Yarmouth Frame and Gallery

James Chae Class of '02

hen I attended SFS there werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a lot of visual arts classes. However, what I gained from SFS that prepared me for my future was a sense of hard work and community. The latter, which I think is SFS' strongest quality, ended up being incredibly helpful. The community at SFS allowed me to be confident and unabashed about seeking support and forging honest relationships with my professors and co-workers. These people would become my supporters, collaborators and mentors in my career as a graphic designer and a design educator. Today, I try to create a strong community with my students at Hongik University. A Brief Career Resume :

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) BFA Class of 2006 Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) MFA Class of 2016 Assistant Professor at Hongik University College of Design and Arts Department of Design Convergence 26

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KyungEn Kim Class of '90

have always preferred scissors to a pencil. At SFS, Mr Kelly encouraged me to pursue my own interests with abandon for the IBDP Studio Art HL. I relished the emphasis on process and documentation because, along with very supportive parents, it allowed me to turn our basement into a workshop filled with sculptures, self-portraits and furniture models. At Wellesley, the general air of all things being possible in a small liberal arts college led to caring as much about making things, as the world in its brokenness. My artist and literature professors became lifelong mentors. After graduation, I went to Chicago on an innercity education/missions trip that led to art installation classes at the SAIC; this led me to RISD for an MFA in Sculpture where I learned to solve problems with my gut, hands and mind. Thinking architecture was inhabitable-artmade-together, I ended up doing a second Masters at Harvardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architecture school. I am still wondering what I will be when I grow up but I certainly have a long line of passionate educators to thank for a fabulous journey. And my poor parents!

Juhie Suh Class of '92

Untitled, Craft paper cutout, 2017

am grateful for the opportunity to work as the Designer and Brand Curator at SFS. This position is found to be the culmination of my career where I can make the use of all the experiences and skills that I willfully and unwittingly acquired through my somewhat convoluted path after graduating from SFS. Working here brings back many memories of great learning experiences, friends, and teachers - Mr Kelly, my Art Teacher, the most - and wish to serve this amazing community with my gift. A Brief Career Resume :

Washington University in St. Louis, BFA in Communication Design Graphic Designer, Seoul(1996~1999), 3D Modeler, Facial Rigger, Technical Wrangler in Animation Industry, Seoul(1999~2008), Character Animator & Previsualization Artist, Seoul & NYC(2002~2012, 2017), Designer & Brand Curator, SFS, Seoul(2018~Current) SF S B A N N ER

VISUAL ARTS IN PERFORMING ARTS

Pulling Back the Curtain on

Theatre Design

Finished Set of 'Midsummer Jersey'

Our theatre manager John Black tells all about how the visual arts make or break each theatre production.

e produce five large dramatic productions and over 35 music concerts annually. Our SFS community enjoy performance facilities better than those on many university campuses. Whether on stage in the Early Years Christmas Concert, the KS 2 production, the Middle School symphony orchestra, or the largest High School musical, Seoul Foreign students are surrounded by a community of professional directors, conductors, designers, technicians - artists who support them and their peers and family.

Production for the Set of 'Midsummer Jersey'

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Less apparent than the final performance product, however, is the artistic process undertaken by those working behind the scenes. Alongside the performers’ extensive rehearsals, a community of students, parents and faculty spend many hours preparing props, costumes, sets, sound effects, lighting, A/V recording equipment, and more. We’re proud to pull back the curtain and share with

you a glimpse of our design process and the community that brings it to life. Designing the Stage Environment The design process for our drama productions involves the Drama Director and the Theatre Services staff and it begins with the script. Initial discussions are two-fold: 1) what does the script require of us in order to create the environment that the characters play in, and 2) what practical considerations must we account for? The first design meeting will begin with an overall vision from the director, which will provide the foundation for addressing these two questions throughout the design process. Creating the environment includes considering the mood and spirit of the story, the historical period, locations, seasons and times of day, the personalities and demographics of the characters and elements of good design composition. The practical considerations include the needs and desires of the director and their vision, the needs of the actors to play safely and effectively in the created environment, construction considerations and limitations, and the fiscal and time budgets available. Following the initial design meeting, the scenic designer will take the director’s vision with all of these considerations and create an initial design concept. A second design meeting will then be held to discuss the first design draft, during

which the director and designer will have the opportunity to discuss each part of the design. The research and draft drawings will help communicate the designer’s response to the director’s vision for the production. Afterwards, the designer will make any changes as discussed and produce a final set of drawings and/or digital three-dimensional renderings of the design. From here, construction plots and lists will be made and the work of realizing the design will begin! That’s not where the creativity ends, though. Once the set has been designed, discussions will then begin about the lighting of the stage environment and the sounds and soundscape needed to further enhance the environment. Designing for Music Though the process may not be as complicated or drawn out for music performances, creating a stimulating environment and experience for our music concerts is also an important role of the Theatre Services staff. Some musical performances will adhere closely to a theme that will be reinforced through lighting choices, projections, or other multimedia during the performance. In these instances, the Theatre Services staff will work closely with the individual music conductors on creating multi-sensory experience along with the music that they are performing.

Crusader Live team consists of High School students who volunteer time after school to work in our scene shop, control booths and catwalks. They work as carpenters, electricians, lighting operators, microphone technicians, camera operators, video switchers and more to help produce all of the works and events presented in the theatres. For our largest shows, it is not uncommon for the Crusader Live team to volunteer a combined 500-700 hours of creative work!

Crusader Live

We like to say that Crusader Live is a realworld educational experience. Students learn the skills that they need through on-the-job training experience, working towards and on real events for real audiences. The equipment that they are using is the same equipment found on international tours and in theatres on Broadway and the West End! Production of the Backdrop for the Christmas Concert

Recent examples of designing for music performance include creating the illusion of fireflies during a choral performance of “Fireflies”, playing a video clip of Martin Luther King during a band performance of “America”, or bathing the stage in a wash of red light during an orchestra performance of “Red Rhythmico”. Crusader Live In addition to the Theatre Services staff members-John Black (Theatre Manager), Eunjung Shin (Theatre Specialist) and Hansung Yoo (Theatre Assistant), the To learn more about Crusader Live, visit www.crusaderlive.com If you need a creative outlet or would like to get involved working on our stage sets, please contact John Black (john.black@seoulforeign.org) SF S B AN N ER

ARCHITECTURE AND SFS

High School A work of Art

Walt Whitman Library, Outside View

One of the main design projects at SFS in recent times has been the new High School building. This has been ongoing since 2011 when it was signed off by our board. On August 11 2018 we finally declared it officially open in a VIP ribbon cutting ceremony.

e employed Ennead NY, a respected and innovative team of architects from New York. Their brief was to build a learning facility suited to High School students of today and tomorrow. We wanted to focus on creating the ideal learning space for our High School students - one that gives openness and privacy; quiet for study and buzz to enjoy other activities. This was a collaborative project with parents, faculty, Admin and Board consulted and involved. We wanted the school to look great and become a showcase 30

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for education. We included a beautiful terrace where we could acknowledge donors with Centennial Stones and also provide a wonderful backdrop as visitors arrived for the first time (or indeed the 500th time!) The vertical fins on the facade give a streamlined look and the greenery around the two adjoining buildings along with solar panels on the roof and roof terrace add to the feel of sustainability and modernity. On top of all this there is a fantastic art room, a drama lab and a suite of science labs. Alongside the learning spaces there is a bright and spacious Walt Whitman Library and many different areas where students can sit and work alone or in collaboration. We opened the High School on August 11 with a wonderful VIP ceremony attended by several Embassy representatives - including the US, Ireland and Greece. We also hosted Ennead architects, all our Board, selected donors and many more. So now all we have to do is enjoy the space in the way it was designed. Tell us what you think! And if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had a chance to take a tour contact Marketing or The High School and we can happily show you round. Science Lab

ART PUBLICATIONS

Our Creative Community

The Magpie

Many people are not aware that The Magpie exists, less still that it is an annual arts publication completely created and produced by a High School team. Championed by Susan Guderyon and Heather Adkins, Editor -in-Chief Christine Suh has brought together a team of aspiring writers and artists. Here Christine explains the mission of The Magpie -

e want to share The Magpie far and wide so our whole community knows what our talented students are doing to showcase and develop visual arts and creative writing in the High School. The Magpie is a community of aspiring writers, artists, and designers committed to supporting creative endeavors in the SFS community. Our main focus is on the production of an annual literary and art magazine, in addition to hosting writing and design workshops for students to improve upon and foster their creative skills. Most importantly, the goal is for students to appreciate the wealth of creativity that can be found within our SFHS community and to foster a deeper personal connection to the arts.

'The Magpie 2019' will be out in May. Don't miss it!

2018-2019 Magpie Club with Susan Guderyon Heather Adkins

The Magpie, for me, is a safe space where I can work on something that matters to me while also getting to work with other people on this overarching work expressing, in the end, only some of all the diverse voices that are fighting to be heard in this high school." Susan Guderyon adds, "our students get the opportunity to work and learn, and the opportunity to share their work in a creative environment. All are welcome to join us and contribute."

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EXTRA CURRICULAR SFS

camp

SFS

“It truly is one of God’s blessings to have our SFS alumni work with Camp SFS during the summer. Our graduates have a way of giving back to SFS, while gaining a jump start into the real world. Current students gain the best possible mentors and create lifelong friendships.”

- Michelle Kim

un and learning doesn’t stop in Summer… At Seoul Foreign School we offer one of the best Summer programmes in the city! Camp SFS runs on campus over 5 weeks between June and August. We use all areas of the school from the pool to the gym to the sports fields and the classrooms, labs and kitchens. Children up to 11 years old get to participate in activities they know and love or sample new challenges and learn new skills. Counselors and teachers offer classes as diverse as Yarn Skills and Robotics; Advanced Swimming and Basketball; Cookery and Board Games. The children run around all day and enjoy healthy snacks and lunch while forming new friendships and enjoying independence. It’s a

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wonderful way to entertain the children in a positive learning environment. The camp is organised by the amazing Michelle Kim who brings together the counseling team and plans the activities timetable. Michelle says, “It truly is one of God’s blessings to have our SFS alumni work with Camp SFS during the summer. Our graduates have a way of giving back to SFS, while gaining a jump start into the real world. Current students gain the best possible mentors and create lifelong friendships. Watching Camp SFS grow over the years proves that He has great plans for our school. I am grateful for the opportunity to see it through, as we prepare for a new chapter of inviting students for Camp SFS 2019."

SOME VERY SPECIAL ALUMNI

One of the things that sets Camp SFS apart is the fact that Michelle encourages as many SFS alumni as possible to join the Counselors Team. An Alumn herself she believes that it’s paramount to have a team who know the school and who believe in the school spirit. They share the sense of excellence in all that we do. They believe that effort and persistence pay off and that enjoyment should be at the heart of all extra curricular activity.

Our Counselors (Camp of 2018) Haejoo Kim, Class of ’16 - Haejoo attends Colgate University, NY, and studies Psychology. A counselor for 4 years Alex Min, Class of ’15 - Alex studies Mechanical Engineering at Drexil University, Philadelphia Tawan Banyatpiyaphod, Class of ’18 - Tawan is studying Business at Northeastern University Dan Choi, Class of ’15 - Dan studies History at Liberty Uni and hopes to be a teacher! Toby Kim, Class of ’15 - Toby currently studies Physiology at the University of Washington. He hopes to become a pediatrician Won Lee, Class of ’18 - Won studies Biology at Wesleyan University, Conneticut

Kun Koh, Class of ’18 - Kun is studying Chemical Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana– Champaign. Jennifer Rhee, Class of ’18 - Jennifer attends UCLA Daniel Hahm, Class of ’18 - Daniel studies Journalism in the University of Southern California. Heather No, Class of ’18 - Heather is at the University of Pennsylvania. Ji Woong Hong, Class of ’16 - Our only Non SFS counselor Ji Woong is much respected and is responsible for all the amazing pictures and videos of camp - and feels like he is an alumni!

Yunah Ough, Class of ’18 - Yunah will study arts in Australia next year and hopes to work with children one day Benjamin Yoon, Class of ’12 - Benjamin has obtained a B.A. and a Masters from Azusa Pacific in Physical Education. He aims to be a PE teacher very soon. Brandon Sohn, Class of ’18 - Brandon will attend Brown University studying Further Mathematics. Cameron Choi, Class of ’18 - Cameron will study in Australia next year SF S B AN N ER

ALUMNI REUNIONS

2018-19

Get Togethers Our Seoul Foreign School Reunions are the highlight of the Alumni calendar not just for our alumni but for Jack Moon who works all year round to make these events a success. We start planning for the next season as soon as the last year’s are over and are always looking to make our events more meaningful. We welcome your feedback.

s we go to print Jack is in London and New Orleans - meeting with alumni from the past few decades. The get togethers are a chance to have fun, have a drink or two and catch up with old classmates. Friendships reignite and joint ventures often spark from such meetings… See below for the details of the 2018-19 reunions and a few pictures from last time….

November 3

Alumni Reunions 2018-19

November 9 - 11

London

New Orleans

The Happenstance 10 Paternoster Square, London , EC4M 7DX

Mardi Gras World Plaza 1380 Port of New Orleans Place New Orleans, LA 70130

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January 11

Seoul Seoul Foreign High School New HS Building

February 1 - 3

Washington DC To be determined... please check for further information on www.facebook.com/alumnisfs/

ALUMNI

Taechon Beach Association 70th Anniversaryâ&#x20AC;Ś

aechon Beach holds a very special place in the heart of Seoul Foreign School. For many years we have run retreats, trips and adventure holidays there. It has become a real haven for our extended community. There have long been links between our school and the Taechon Beach Association - many of whose members are faculty or ex faculty and alumni. Some long term SFS families - The Underwoods, The Raders, The Moons and The Rices have been active members. This year marked the 70th Anniversary of the TBA and they celebrated this momentous occasion with a weekend get-away - organised by Nancy Kim and the Executive Committee (including Peter and Diana Underwood.) The programme was varied and a lovely balance of looking back to past times and forward to more adventures to come. There was a retrospective evening presentation going back all the way to 70 years ago when the beach retreat was set up. Taechon Beach was one of the most unique features of missionary life in Korea. Unlike elsewhere, missionaries from all different denominations gathered here to spend a relaxing few weeks during the hot, humid summers. It was a time to form new friendships, renew old ones, play in tennis tournaments, perform in plays, swim out to Monster Island, take boat rides out to surrounding islands, eat the delicious cinnamon rolls from the bakery, lie out on the beach and relax to your heart's content.

(Top Backdrop) A painting of Taechon Beach by Jane Torrey (Top) Attendees of the reunion (Middle Left) Edie Moon, Nancy Kim, Jack Moon

(Middle Right) Peter Underwood (Bottom) Diana Underwood

Attendees of the celebration weekend enjoyed some great meals together, spent time reminiscing, walking the beach and holding a worship service out at 'Vespers Point.'

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SFS GRADUATION

Preparing For Life T

he Senior Year at Seoul Foreign High School marks the culmination of school at Seoul Foreign life and is the most exciting and busy time in a High School we student’s life. Graduation here is not just one stretch our children ceremony but a week of events celebrating all and push them to aspects of the Senior Year…. “ We believe that

achieve as much

Planning begins for the Graduation Week in October. The Principal, Counselors, PTA not just academic representatives and class representatives get achievement together and look at all aspects from preparing the gifts and pins, to speeches and awards. We though of course prepare a timeline of events and make sure that’s important that all elements are covered - and, of course but achievement in that the events are recorded. arts and sports and Joachim Ekstrom, Director of HS Counseling, in service to others. as possible. It’s

We do all this in an environment of care. We are sending them off to lead an exceptional life.” - Jeff Holcomb, High School Principal

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is responsible for helping the students prepare in practical ways. "We offer college survival skills including cooking, ironing, finances, staying safe and drugs and alcohol awareness. We hope that these hands-on sessions help each and every student wherever they go." The sessions and support program span the whole of Senior Year. In Graduation Week, the programme of events includes a celebration lunch organised by the PTA where the Faculty and students sit together and celebrate the years past. There is a wonderful Baccalaureate Service organised by our Christian Ministries with incredibly moving readings. A highlight of the week is

SFS 2018 ALUMNI COMMITTEE AWARD

the Senior Walk when Seniors gather and walk in their caps and gowns around the entire school and many of the parents gather together and watch as the students make the walk, ostensibly for the last time. It’s an incredibly moving occasion and one which leaves a lasting impression on everyone. The culmination of the week is the Graduation Ceremony itself where we send our graduating class out into the world. We hope they take a piece of SFS with them - and we keep a piece of all of them in our hearts. Enjoy a selection of images from the week….

he 2018 recipient of this year’s Alumni Committee Award along with a $1000 scholarship, was presented to Janet Lee. She attended SFS from Grade 3 to Grade 12. Known to get involved in almost every facet of school life, Janet for 4 successive years participated as an officer in Student Government, served as a delegate and leader in MUN and was voted in as president of We Generation. In addition, Janet worked for three successive years as a reporter and editor for the Spirit, our school newspaper, while serving as a volunteer at St. Mary’s Hospital and also working in the student reporter Program of the Korea Daily Newspaper. She did all this while working as a member of NHS. This Fall she enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania. This is one of many awards presented. Please see The Spirit for the full list.

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SFS DONOR COMMUNITY

Dear

SFS Community T

hank you for your generosity and commitment to support our Annual Fund last year. We are truly grateful to our community for the diverse participation and contributions. 2017-18 year has been a remarkable year for the Advancement office. We are excited to share that we have had the biggest support since the launch of the fundraising campaign at SFS. A total of over USD 1 million dollars was raised for the Annual Fund and the Building for the Future Fund with a variety of gifts towards Naming Rights, Centennial Stones and general donations to support the new High School building. A very special gift-inkind, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Waterdropsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; painting was also made to the new High School by Master Kim, Tschang-Yeul an internationally renowned painter and grandparent of SFS. Among the total funds raised, USD 140,000 of the Annual Fund went towards upgrading the British School playground, USD 23,500 to support purchase of books in the Elementary School library, purchase of air purifiers, annual scholarships, media and digital storytelling project in the Middle School and USD 4,450 towards the general Endowment Fund. On August 11th we also had a lovely ceremony officially declaring the opening of the new High School building and welcomed significant members and guests in our community. This would have not been possible without the enthusiasm, insights and 38

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support from the SFS Board, Building for the Future Advisory Group, alumni, faculty/staff and invaluable members of our community. Your leadership and support has genuinely helped create a community dedicated to its ongoing advancement and help SFS in its endeavor to continue being a leader within the community of international schools. 2018-19 year marks our 10th year of our Annual Fund where funds raised will be designated towards purchasing of equipment for the Multimedia Recording Studio. We will also continue solicitation and support towards our Building for the Future Fund (Naming rights, Centennial Stones and general donations), Endowment and other funds to enhance the educational experience of our students. Please look out for our Annual Fund brochure and communications to participate in our Advancement program. We look forward to another great year of support from the SFS community to help us achieve our vision and continue our traditions of excellence at SFS. With much gratitude, Yoojin Um Manager of Advancement yoojin.um@seoulforeign.org

A Story

behind Every Donation “When I heard that SFS was starting up a capital campaign to support the new High School and to build for the future, I really wanted to be a part of this campaign. I wanted to express my appreciation and give back for what my family received from the missionaries in the past. Even though my donation isn’t significant, I am thrilled to be contributing to the future of SFS.” - Seung Min Nam, SFS Bus Driver & Centennial Stone Donor

ast year, we were truly blessed and touched by so many meaningful donations from our community members. Every donation big and small had a story behind it and there were so many memories, laughter and tears shared in the Advancement office. We are proud to share with you the story of Mr. Seung Min Nam, SFS Bus Driver and Centennial Stone Donor. Mr. Seung Min Nam’s father worked in the transportation department of the Yonhui Baptist Mission for a long period of time since the early 1960s with which many of our former parents and alumni were affiliated with. Unlike today, during Mr. Nam’s childhood, Korea was much underdeveloped and suffered from poverty. It was the missionaries and their dedication to serve others that helped him and his siblings to complete their education and become the person he is today. Since his employment in 1996, Mr. Nam has always been proud and grateful to be working in an institution with Christian values like SFS. It is SFS that also helped him to nurture his family and complete his children’s education.

When he heard that SFS was starting up a capital campaign to support the new High School and to build for the future, he really wanted to be a part of it. After discussing this with his mother and family members he thought that by contributing to the ‘Building for the Future Fund’ he could express his appreciation and give back what he and his family received from the missionaries in the past. “Even though my donation isn’t’ significant, I hope I can contribute to the education of SFS students and contribute to the future of SFS” said Mr. Nam. Mr. Nam’s father passed away in early February. Mr. Nam shared this picture with us hoping that some of our SFS alumni and former parents would be able to recognize and remember the older Mr. Nam who worked for the Yonhui Baptist Mission.

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DONOR GIFTS

Special Gifts Make the school a stronger and happier place

We are extremely grateful as a community to receive donations in kind. Our donors contribute non monetary gifts to the school which will uniquely benefit our students and reflect the passions and interests of the donors themselves. Here we focus on two gifts linked to the visual arts and each has a very individual story.

aterdrops' is the painting which hangs on the staircase above the cafeteria in the High School. It was gifted by Master Kim, Tschang-Yeul who is a grandparent of our school. The painting graces the cover of this magazine to reflect the importance and celebration of our Visual Arts Program. It also formed the centerpiece of our High School Opening Ceremony.

Master Kim, Tschang-Yeul Waterdrops, 2018, Oil on canvas

Master Kim, Tschang-Yeul was born in a small village in Northern Korea in 1929 and came to the

South after Independence. In the aftermath of the Korean War, he went to the US to complete his Masters in Fine Arts and then moved to Paris, France where he settled and spent most of his life. Now he is back in Korea, living with his grandchildren who are all SFS students, while continuing to practice his art. In 2016, he had the honor of having a museum built in his name on Jeju Island and this year he had important exhibitions both in New York and in Arles, Southern France. All the while he feels grateful to be sharing his international experience and inspiring his grandchildren to embrace what is in front of you as well as what is beyond. This is also the meaning of his paintings. He paints water drops, but beyond the motive of the water drop, there is a plethora of meanings to be found in Korean history as well as within each viewer. By donating his painting to the new SFHS building, he hopes to inspire all SFS students to become leaders in any field they choose to pursue in their career, the same way he went from a small boy from the North Korean countryside to an internationally renowned artist. 40

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DONOR GIFTS

A Gift to reflect a Passion Last year generous donors contributed to the Middle School to purchase media equipment. This kind of donation is invaluable and directly impacts our student learning experience. Gifts from our generous community keep our students' dreams alive and nurtured.

than Yi is one of the students who benefits from your generous donations. Here he writes about his love of videography and creating films about school life. "Hello, my name is Ethan Yi and I am currently in 8th grade, Middle School. I have a great passion for photography and videography. The reason for that passion is my desire to capture moments that are fun, cool, beautiful and precious. These are moments that I want to keep as memories and perhaps even edit most of them to create more impact. Learning videography in design class at SFS gives me the chance to work in a group to create videos rather than alone. Videography and editing, for me, is a solo effort right now. However, I would like to someday be able to work with others to create a video for a larger audience. I have some videos on Youtube which I have recently worked on. Those videos express how I captured and edited some of my favorite moments into lasting memories. I invite you to take a look by searching my name on Youtube. Thank you to our SFS community for your generosity and support. You are helping us pursue our dreams...."

Ethan Yi, MS Grade 8

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DONOR LIST

2018-19

Annual Fund Donations A Huge Thank You To.... The MILLENNIUM CLUB Donated $10,000 or more

Rayoung (Madeline) Lee The Haelyung Hwang Family

RED AND BLACK CLUB Donated $5,000 or more

Rana ’91, Dana ’93 and Anna ’96 Cho P.L.C. ’15* and J.L.C. ’18 Edward Y., Henry C., and Emily S. Chung Elizabeth and Katherine Chung Colm and Sinead Flanagan Caleb ’18 and Caden ’21 Jang Jamie ’20 and Jay ’21 Jones Sebi Kim ’27 Ashley ’21 and Kate ’22 Koo Joonmo Koo ’22 Jeena ’21 and Jeean ’25 Lee Lauren M. ’18, Ethan C. ’21 and Erin G. ’22 Lee Lynn ’21, Winston ’23 and June Lee Eunseo Lim ’21 In Honor of Kevin and Ellen O’Donnell Clare ’23 and Sydney ’25 Sohn Teo ’20 and Temin ’22 Sohn Evan ’10, Ryan ’12 and Ethan ’19 Yi Michelle, Alissa and Alex ’23 Yoon

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The CREST CLUB Donated $1,000 or more

Minsoo Choi and June Kang Ian Wonwoo Kim Jee Hee Kim Jack and Edie Moon KeeHyun Sung Jessica ’15, Michael ’18 and Stephanie Woo

CENTENNIAL CLUB Donated $100 or more

Lydia Forster Andrew Freeman The Holcomb Family Yerin Amy Kim Jeehae Helen Lee The Prest Family Jan-Mark Seewald Justin and Shannon Smith In Jin and Deborah Song Juhie Suh ’92 Yoojin Um Clif Wilcox and Melissa Villa

The LEGACY CLUB Made a monetary donation Jinny Kim Seulgee Lee

OBITUARIES

Margaret Martin Moore (1919 ~ 2018)

Margaret Martin Moore who lived to the age of 99, led a rich and full life as a missionary, dramatist and teacher. She was a major figure at Seoul Foreign School and in Seoul, teaching drama, directing plays, writing and inspiring generations of students, including Edie Moon, who pays a moving tribute here.

unt Margie was always looking at the stars in a way. She was always looking UP for something brighter and better.

I have always been in awe of women who manage, above all odds, to do what other people just aren’t doing. Aunt Margie was that kind of a woman. She came to a patriarchal country and found a way to direct, devise a shadow play of the life of Christ, translate Shakespeare into Korean and then direct it in Korean for Korean audiences. She ministered through theatre at a time when Korean theatre was largely underground and difficult to access especially in a country that was clawing its way back from the ravages of the Korean War. And how did she do it alone? I have always been in awe of people who manage to create beauty in the midst of despair. Aunt Margie was one of those people. She loved flowers and she used them to bring beauty into every environment. She was funny...she even gave her hilarious sons a run for their money and that is saying a lot. She had a wit and a sense of humor that never missed a trick even in her late nineties. Her humor brought beauty and healing to many potentially difficult and awkward situations. I have always been in awe of directors who can communicate their passion and their vision. That director was Aunt Margie. I remember being directed by her in a play that told the story of how the song Silent Night came to be. She met Chase Nelson and myself after school for a rehearsal before we were to perform at Seoul Union Church. She talked with us for quite some time about what this story meant to her, how we could communicate the emotion of the scene, and as I watched her I realized--she was seeing something that we as high school students could not

see. She was feeling something we could not feel. I believed her though and I was determined to see what she saw and feel what she felt. I have always been in awe of mothers who under the direst of circumstances not only survive but thrive. Aunt Margie was that mother. How do you raise five young sons by yourself in a foreign country alone and still continue your work as a missionary? She loved her sons and accepted them for the uniquely creative and brilliant boys that they were and are. She raised musicians, counselors, pastors, soldiers, writers, composers, and performers. She raised people of love. I had the privilege the other day of receiving all of Aunt Margie’s theatre books as her sons so generously passed them on to me. I spent hours looking through the pages of her notes on a myriad of Shakespeare’s plays, rereading her inspired shadow play of the Life of Christ, remembering her brilliance as an artist. I will always cherish these. There is so much more that I could say, but at the end of the day, I will hold close the memory of her ability to look at the stars... to believe that there is hope and happiness and joy and faith that we can bring down to earth and into our lives. With every thought of her, I will smile and be grateful for the gift of her inspiration and presence in my life...and yes, look at the stars as often as I can. I am certain I will see her there. With much love and respect, Edie Rader Moon

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SPORT AT SFS

Sport For

All

Making sport available to all - whatever your gender, ability or background - is high on the agenda at Seoul Foreign School. We are very keen to promote girls in sport - and we have amazing stories to share with you here...

O Susan Sell-Haynes

ur female athletes start at the top, with Director of Sport, Susan Sell-Haynes. Growing up in West Texas, Susan was inspired by her mother, who grew up in a time with more limited options, when the winning women’s softball team was determined by etiquette, style and uniform. Women basketball players could only play on half of the court. (Yes, really!) Susan has been inspired by the opportunities her mother’s generation worked hard to provide for her and she is fully dedicated to continuing the trend for our female athletes at SFS. Susan is extremely passionate about the value of sport and does everything she can to provide opportunities for each and every student at SFS. She is also dedicated to cultivating an environment where the entire community can take part in the joys that SFS sport and our wonderful athletes bring. We are grateful to Susan and her team for their enthusiasm and passion. Susan says: “Our SFS female athletes are successful on and off the field, in and out of the gym and pool. They are resilient and self-confident. The work ethic and dedication they develop in sport transfers directly to their successes in the classroom and in other areas of their lives.

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They inspire all of us to push the limits, take creative risks and do all we can to make our community better. We are all extremely proud of our female athletes and we are thankful for all the support our parents and community members provide to our female athletes as they develop their skills, character and love of play. I’m inspired by our girls every day and I hope you see in the comments below and the stories by Gracie and Stephanie how sport can be a joy for all our community. Great work ladies! “ Anna Castagnaro - HS Grade 11 “I love how volleyball is so simple yet strategic and it takes everyone from the team to create a successful play. It always feels so rewarding to win a point whether you are the one to make the perfect first pass, the assisting set, or killer spike. I was never really athletic when I was younger, but choosing to pick up volleyball has honestly been one of the best decisions I've ever made.” Jina MacNeill - ES Grade 5 “I love Taekwondo because it gives me self-confidence and makes me feel ready for anything!”

Soccer For

Girls "I love coaching girls soccer because our girls are so coachable. They really want to work hard and learn and they appreciate all of the time that we pour into them. As a coach their hard work really inspires you to want to make every training session better for them." - Jamin Bookhamer

Why Soccer for Girls? Jamin Bookhamer is our Girls’ Soccer coach - out on the field every evening and Saturday - leading, inspiring and developing our players whatever their age, background and experience. This is why he does it.. "More than ever before girls of all ages and experience levels are putting on their soccer cleats this Fall and coming together to train and compete for Crusaders Girls Soccer teams in tournaments around Korea. There is something special about the bond that girls feel when they train and compete together for a common goal. It is uplifting and encouraging and creates relationships that move from the field to the classroom. We love supporting the growth of our girls sports program as we help build strong young ladies that will succeed in sports, in school, and in life!”

Stephanie Woo - Soccer Superstar! - Grade 6 Middle Schooler, Stephanie Woo is well known for her love of soccer - and her success on the field. Here Stephanie explains why she loves soccer - and why you should, too. Thank you Stephanie - this is an inspiration! "Soccer has always been a big part of my life. It makes me happy, healthy and it also helps me make new friends. Soccer is a team sport. It is important to work with your teammates in order to be successful. No matter how good or skillful you are, you have to work and communicate with your team to score and win. You have to be patient and understanding to others even if they make a mistake or something doesn't go the way you want it.

Stephanie Woo in action

I think soccer is a very interesting and beautiful sport. In order to score, you have to be able to make passes between your teammates and go across the field. When you score in a tournament, you feel really amazing. The moment I see the ball go past the white line, everything in my mind goes blank and I just feel like a feather floating in the air. I think soccer is a very helpful and amazing sport. So I think more people like you should try soccer. Even if you are not the best, I still feel like you can get a lot out of it. So I really recommend you taking a risk and trying something new.” SF S B A N N ER

SPORT AT SFS

Why Volleyball? 2018 SFS Girls APAC Volleyball Team, Photography by Derek Mu, HS Grade 9

When we were planning this issue and mentioned volleyball everyone said, “You must talk to Gracie!” So we did. Gracie speaks passionately about her love for Volleyball - and almost a decade playing at Seoul Foreign School. We will really miss her when she leaves at the end of this year!"

love volleyball because it has taught me that I can’t do anything alone. From relying on my team as a tiny scared 6th grader who couldn’t underhand serve to trusting that the varsity newbies have my back as a returning captain Senior, volleyball has taught me that having people around you who are supporting you is always better!

Gracie Kwak

People always give Seniors who play sport a lot of respect, and I didn’t really understand why until this year. As a Senior, you’re not only responsible for your IB workload, but also applying to college -- an undisputedly large task. But for me, it wasn’t a question of whether I was going to play or not. I couldn’t imagine my school year without volleyball, and I truly didn’t want to. For me, going to practice isn’t another chore after a long day, instead it’s what I’m looking forward to. Games don’t drain me, they re-energize me. My advice to anyone who wants to play volleyball, or any sport for the matter, is just go for it. You’ll never know what could have happened if you don’t try out, and you might regret it later. The amount of growth that you can have in a sport is amazing. Of course as you get older you learn to be a better player, but you also learn how to be a better teammate, a better leader, and a better friend.

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I’m thankful to not only the sport itself, but to the people who are involved in it, because they made me who I am today. The dedication that it takes to play a sport while managing a full workload, numerous clubs, and service work is admittedly intense, but in my opinion it is completely worth it. Especially in my upperclassman years, I truly felt a sense of belonging and importance on the team. My coaches especially made the season so special, caring about us not just as players, but as people. I feel so truly blessed to walk into the gym everyday and to see two smiling faces of coaches who love the sports just as much as I do." Bernard Enoka coaches Girls Volleyball. Here he tells us why it’s so special to him… "Girls love playing volleyball because it is the ultimate team sport. If you enjoy working together for mutual benefit volleyball is a great fit for you. Whether you are a setter, middle hitter, outside hitter or libero there is a position for everyone on the team. Volleyball is one of the most interactive games going. SFS girls volleyball teams have proud records in local (KAIAC) and international (APAC) competitions. Join a team and become part of that tradition."

Aquatics… Why swim? Sean Cary and his Aquatics team are passionate about making the most of one of our most valuable assets - our pool. Here Sean explains why you should make swimming part of your life - and how each and every student (and parent) can try...

wimming is a fantastic lifelong activity that our students have the opportunity to learn through the PE curriculum. The Aquatics Team’s annual goal is to establish an enjoyment of the water and for our student body to be water-knowledgeable and safe when they leave Seoul Foreign School. Drowning is a leading cause of death in the world (varying by age and country.) We want to do our part to reduce this statistic, by ensuring our students have every opportunity available to learn to swim and to be safe. Many of our students pursue swimming beyond the basic water safety into recreational swimming and then to competitive swimming. In the past 7 years we have had four Seoul Foreign High School graduates move on to swim at the US collegiate level. They are pursuing swimming at the highest level an amatuer can do short of the Olympic Games!

If students, parents or faculty would like to join our extra curricular Swim Program there is something for everyone…. • Water Confidence and Booster • Developmental • Squads (Afternoon and Morning) • High School and Middle School Team • Adult Learn to Swim • Thursday Evening Family Swim • Saturday Afternoon Family Swim • Early morning lap swim

Sean Cary in open swim, Hong Kong

No matter your age or ability we have something for you and your family. Swimming is for all people from the small to the tall. Water can be such a healthy place to release the stress of the day." Joyce & Chloe Wang

Currently we have several SFS Alumni swimming at University level. One is a senior captain at Bowdoin University in Maine, and the other, Joyce Wang, is a freshman at Princeton University in New Jersey. Joyce represented Hong Kong in the recent Asian Games in Indonesia.

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Photography by Thomas Kang, Grade 10, HS Photography Club

A United Community Seoul Foreign School