IB Coordinator Andy Roff and Head of Year 13 Tracey Barton, offered their own heartfelt and sincere thanks and advice to our students and Grad18 themselves sang and played beautifully to accompany their own Graduation. They marched proudly across the stage to the delight of their parents as we listened to their future destinations and fondest memories of Patana read out by their tutors. This this year this included several references to noodles, to Residentials and sports teams, to great times in Primary and even to “the day that Mr Mills gave out pizza in Seniors!” My message to the students was simple in the end – though rather long as usual! First, think of your parents and be gentle with them. They are very proud but also fragile because you’re leaving. It’s not easy for them to accept you are adults now. Secondly take what you’ve learned here at Patana, as part of this community and apply it wherever you find yourselves until you make a positive difference to the world around you. As students, you have been fortunate. With that comes a responsibility to stand up for the values that we all believe in, to stand against injustice and intolerance, to shine your lights brightly around the world. The students themselves, as they always do, provided the inspiration for my closing remarks. They will join the other Patana Tigers around the world and begin to leave their own positive paw prints in their new communities. Enjoy the last couple of weeks of term and then, hopefully share some extended family time over the summer break. Mick Smith Principal, Secondary School See the Graduating Class of 2018’s University Offers here
08/06/2018
WINGS & ROOTS – BY GAIL SCHOPPERT We thought we couldn’t give them roots We gave them wings. The things that nurture children Can be named, Although they are not the same in every home. When you choose to roam outside your native land And you have children Be prepared to have them grow up special And to grow up quick. They learn the trick of being with adults, And how to make friends fast, But not to make fast friends. When friendship ends, Each time a parent is transferred It is hard to trust. Just nothing seems to last. But overseas The family grows close, Depending on each other. But where are Grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins? They are cast in distant, parttime roles. Some souls that should influence growing minds Are far away. And so the home And so the school Must fill the lives and set the rules. It would be good If we could slow our children down. They move so fast, Becoming mature so soon. Here is a word of hope; We have raised three children overseas. And I am proud of all the many things They’ve done because we gave them wings And what I thought was a minus really was a plus: They had to find their roots in us.
Bangkok Patana School News
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