By chris sammons
Learning and Living resiLience
Chris Sammons, Head of School
In natural science, resilience is the study of adaptation, recovery and stability in response to disturbances. These are fundamental principles in understanding how natural systems and substances function and persist. The concept is easily learned, understood and without disagreement. In fact, scientific study of polymer resilience has led to ‘self-healing’ smartphone screens which makes everyday items more sustainable. Resilience is being engineered at a cellular level.
There are many examples of resilience in the latest edition of SCIENTIA, which encourages understanding of science beyond the classroom. This impressive group has been run by Bangkok Patana students since 2018 supporting and celebrating their peers curiosity at the junction between scientific logic and artful creativity.
“When I was finally able to pick up my child in primary, he told me ‘Mummy, don’t worry. When the earthquake happened, I was at school and I was safe. School is safe for me’. As we walked back to the car, I was reassured again ‘In the future, if something like this happens again, I want you not to worry and please know that I’m safe. My teacher will help me to be safe.”
Take a look at the incredible way in which our students are inquiring about the world and finding purpose in their study. This year Bangkok Patana joined forces with five other international schools to organise wider support through a STEM Youth
Writing Contest. five of the winning articles are from our own students. Cheer to the universe that these young people are equipping themselves with an interest, knowledge and purpose for answering the world’s problems. My unconditional respect and appreciation to Hanseol Ryu and the team for all that you achieved this year. My absolute regard and appreciation for their science teachers who have curated our curriculum and teaching approaches. Science at Bangkok Patana is awesome!
“The quick communication soon after the earthquake was comforting. The call from a teacher asking me if it’s okay to have our kids on school bus to get them home (even though they aren’t usually on school bus) was reassuring, especially when we weren’t sure how best to get them back with the traffic in gridlock and BTS not in operation.”
Resilience has become more common place in social science, particularly in the study of wellbeing. There is, however, much less agreement of what it is and how it can be measured when applied to humans. Facing the unexpected aftershocks of an earthquake brought our collective resilience to the fore before the end of Term two. Whilst a few in our community are resolving home repairs, the majority have been able to recover their original form and everyday function is restored. It was truly an amazing team effort. Despite the individual worries you held being parted from your children, the lack of signal as a result of GPS being impacted and inevitable transport
delays, the help you gave to us and each other was enough.
Collective resilience is not just helping each other in crisis—it’s building connection, sharing strength, and finding hope in its absence. Bangkok Patana has seen it before: students comforting each other, teachers checking in, families offering support. These moments might seem small, but together, they form a strong community of care that holds us all and is available to us all.
Whilst the definition of collective resilience may not be agreed, researchers are in more agreement about the conditions in which it grows. They agree we are not born with resilience and neither can it be taught as a subject on a timetable; we learn it from each other. Social Learning Theory reminds us that when students experience calmness and order, kindness and cooperation, modelled by teachers, parents and peers, they learn. Even when they believe children aren’t learning, adults are influencing through actions and words. Thoughtfulness is key to teaching child resilience at a cellular level.
I saw teachers bringing water, organising games and quiet zones, and making sure every child was okay—even while their own families were affected. It reminded me what real leadership looks like.”
• Every caring moment matters. As a parent, build connection beyond the few; ask, listen and reach out.
• Actively create physical and
virtual safe spaces. Homes and social media can be places of calm, respect and understanding with your words and actions that nurture and heal.
• Encourage expression. Let children play, draw, write, speak, or just be. Self-expression grows over time and opens the door to inner strength.
• Celebrate kindness and notice the good. Point it out over and over again. Frame feedback with kindness.
• Fuel hope. Remind yourselves that parenting is tough learning ‘on the job’ and everybody is perfectly imperfect. Keep going, together.
“A special thank you for the Transport Department for running the buses to ensure the kids were back home safely. The staff in the transport department are always super stars.”
We may not get to choose the challenges our children face, but we do get to choose how we model to them what to do in our community when they arrive.
Welcome back to Term 3.
*quotes in red are from parents.
Join Our Basic Life Support (BLS) & CPR Training Session!
Bangkok Hospital is supporting us by organizing a Basic Life Support (BLS) & CPR training session in English for parents at Bangkok Patana School.
Date: 30th April 2025
Time: 09:00 - 12:00 PM
Location: Primary Hall
Scan the QR Code or click the registration link to secure your place!
Limited to 1 person per family 50 participants only!
Tigersharks crowned naTionaL champions!
The Bangkok Patana TigerSharks dived into action at the Thailand Age Group National Swimming Championships at Assumption University. This year the TigerSharks had 25 swimmers qualify for Thailand nationals in 76 individual events and two relay teams. From 5th - 10th April we had 23 TigerSharks competing against the best swimmers in Thailand and some visiting teams from across the region.
This year saw many improved performances from our TigerSharks, with students from Year 4 to Year 13 representing the Patana TigerSharks on the national stage. The TigerSharks had two relay teams for the 4 x 100 Mixed Freestyle and Medley relays, with all members needing a cumulative age of 61 years or less. On Day 2 saw Tanwaar T, Loch VG, Emma E and Katie C place 9th in the Freestyle relay; whilst on Day 4 saw Katie C, Oscar L, Emma E and Tanwaar T place 6th in the Medley relay in Thailand. Across the six days of racing, we had
15 finals appearances from seven TigerSharks at the championships. Congratulations to the following swimmers on their final appearances:
• Clay S (Boys’ 10-11 – 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly, 100 Butterfly)
• Yaya T (Girls’ 10-11 - 50m Freestyle)
• Katie C (Girls’ 12-13 - 50m Backstroke, 100m Backstroke)
• Emma E (Girls’ 14-15 - 50m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly, 100m Butterfly)
• Misha P (Girls’ 16-18 - 200m Backstroke)
• Panna N (Girls’ 16-18) - 50m Backstroke, 100m Backstroke, 200 Backstroke)
• Leo (Boys’ 19/Over - 50m Backstroke)
Joseph Denton, Head Swim Coach
With TigerSharks swimmers claiming finals appearances, these performances saw multiple medals claimed from our TigerSharks.
First of all, with Clay S (Boys 10-11), stepping up with improved performances in all his final appearances to claim 2nd in the 50m Backstroke and 100m Butterfly. This was the first time in 17 years that a TigerSharks swimmer had claimed a medal in this age group at Thailand Nationals before his final day of racing where he claimed gold and became National Champion in the 50m Butterfly, the first TigerShark ever in this age group!
Katie C (Girls 12-13) was able to step up in her 100m Backstroke final to break 1:10 for the first time and claimed 3rd place in her age group. Prior to this on Day 2, Katie had a nail biting 50m Backstroke final where she was
able to hold form and claim gold by 0.01 and become National Champion for the first time!
The performances from some of our TigerSharks meant school records were also claimed at Thailand Nationals this year. Congratulations to Emma E who claimed the Girls ‘ 13-14 100m Butterfly school record which stood for 7 years, thanks to her finals performance in this event. A further congratulations to Katie C who continued to claim her own Girls’ 11-12 school records with personal best performances in the 50m and 100m Backstroke.
Congratulations to all TigerSharks who competed at Thailand Nationals this year on your record-breaking performances. The TigerSharks have 46 swimmers competing in Singapore in a few weeks’ time alongside our Summer Sizzler invitational in early June.
ceLeBraTing The success of The firsT Language oLympiad
Weare thrilled to share the incredible success of the First Language Olympiad, hosted by Bangkok Patana School on 12th March. This landmark event brought together 11 international schools from Bangkok, Hua Hin and Pattaya, uniting 240 students and 40 Primary and Secondary Modern Foreign Language (MFL) teachers in a celebration of multilingualism and cultural understanding.
The Olympiad, which featured French, Spanish and Mandarin, was a vibrant showcase of language skills and cultural exchange. Students were grouped into teams of five, mixing participants from different schools to foster collaboration and community. They engaged in a series of exciting challenges across four stations: Vocabulary, Culture, Art and Sports and Games. The enthusiasm and energy in each language room were palpable, with students learning and having fun together.
The event was meticulously planned over four Head of Department meetings held at Rugby School Pattaya, Bangkok Prep, St Andrews and finally at Bangkok Patana in January 2025. This collaborative effort ensured a wellorganized and impactful Olympiad.
Our goals for the Olympiad were to celebrate
multilingualism by highlighting the importance of language diversity and its role in fostering cultural understanding. We aimed to boost engagement by encouraging students to continue their language learning journey, demonstrating the joy and practical value of speaking a second language. Additionally, we focused on skills development, enhancing students’ communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities through language challenges. Lastly, we sought to build a sense of community among students from different year groups and schools, fostering collaboration and shared language learning experiences.
The core values guiding this event were respect, collaboration, inclusivity, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, empathy, responsibility, creativity and global awareness. These values were at the heart of every activity, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for all participants.
The anthem ‘Languages are Bridges,’ created with the help of AI, captured the essence of the Olympiad. This song highlighted the themes of unity and understanding through language, resonating deeply with all participants.
We are proud to announce that three of our students received medals in their teams: one gold, one silver and another gold. This achievement is a testament to their hard
Mariela Bianciotti, Leader of Primary World Languages and Spanish Teacher
work and dedication. The medals were awarded during the closing ceremony, where the excitement and pride were evident on the faces of the winners and their peers.
Our Primary School Principal, Mrs. McCormack, delivered an inspiring welcome speech at the Opening Ceremony, highlighting the importance of the event and its core values. She also lit the Olympic torch, symbolising the start of this remarkable journey. The day concluded with Mr. Sammons’ final remarks at the Closing Ceremony, bringing the event to a memorable close and leaving everyone eager for next year’s Olympiad.
The First Language Olympiad has demonstrated the power of language in bringing people together, fostering a sense of community and celebrating cultural diversity. It has highlighted the importance of multilingualism in today’s globalized world and shown how language learning can be both enjoyable and valuable. The event has also underscored the significance of collaboration, respect and inclusivity, as students from different backgrounds worked together towards common goals. This Olympiad has set a strong foundation for future events, inspiring students to continue their language learning journey and promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
The success of this inaugural Olympiad has paved the way for its continuation next year. Several schools have already volunteered to host the event in March 2026,
ensuring that this wonderful initiative will continue to grow and inspire. The enthusiasm and positive feedback from students, teachers, and parents alike have been overwhelming and we are excited to see how this event will evolve in the coming years.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the First Language Olympiad a resounding success. Special thanks to the dedicated teachers, business staff, catering services, the nurses’ team, and technicians who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Primary and Secondary Principals for their continuous support and involvement in this event. We look forward to many more years of celebrating language and cultural diversity together. This event has not only showcased the linguistic talents of our students but also reinforced the importance of unity, collaboration and mutual respect in our diverse school community. Let’s continue to build bridges through languages and create a more connected and understanding world.
Here are more photos: Languages Olympiad (12Mar2025) and NIST Folder - Google Drive.
paTana poeTry prize 2025
Katie Sloane, Head of English Faculty
Our theme this year was ‘Discovery’ which inspired responses ranging from personal, sometimes painful discoveries about the self, to viewing art or nature in a new way, discovering fresh perspectives about the world. Many entrants chose to adopt the persona of another, of historical or mythological figures, and reflected on past events or long-established narratives or beliefs to discover new truths or ideas that transcend time and age.
While we had just under twenty entries this year, the quality was consistently high – it was an incredibly difficult decision for the judges to make – which is actually a pretty wonderful position to be in. The talent amongst the student body here at Patana is really quite astounding. A huge well done and thank you to everyone who entered this year – please keep writing!
Enjoy the poems from our three prize winners below:
3rd: Tatayana (Clara) Dulyapraphant (12Y) the swarm its quiet at first, barely a beating whisper. too dim to make out the glint of its glassy wings. eventually, it crawls — dragging its feet down the ache of my throat, settling itself into the acid of my stomach, twisting deep in the labyrinth of my gut. bitter, forced, wrong. it festers. i leave it.
it propagates with pressure. shared glances and smirks, constant pricks and prods, snarky, condescending jabs, blunt, calloused pats, adorned with what they call worry and care.
until a swarm buzzes through my blood.
my body jitters, paces, organs can barely hold their places
strangled by the dull knife prodded at my throat prisoner to skin that isn’t mine paralyzed by its sting. frozen by pins and needles. laughter sounds like screams blaring horns of conversation breaks slam and screech its trills tinnitus drops of prickling heat too hot against the numb of my face makes lines blur and melt into one a steel anchor plunges deep into my heart air is stifling.
each and every corner of this body, the one that i’ve known for a decade and a half, the one meant to be mine, pried from my grasp. detached.
until its sting subsides, until the swelling calms, until my eyes are rubbed red and raw. only until then, does the swarm quiet.
2nd: Trinity Jantarach (13H)
listless and aching to be held: part of something larger, unseen
To eat your exile Like foals unsteady on their feet you stumbled out of that wet, lightless cavity, face tilted to where the looming white tore a bruised sky asunder,
bare in foot and body you took the long road to Eden; primal creature sequestered in a sun-dappled grove, where everything sung with a soft, edgeless beauty.
sweet odors from the sweet, billowed throats
of flowers blossomed, the fresco earth
and low-hanging fruit, red, so red, a finger’s breadth from the godforsaken esoteric
not a promise of personal renaissance, nor the key to the lock, so much as a thing perched on a bough watchful, waiting.
the Fall, promised and epitomized.
in some previous life, you walked the infernal crest underneath; spring maiden in a land of dead things cursed, even then, with the same fate-sealing curiosity tempted by hundreds of little seeds clustered in a round thing of red, arils like crushed jewels beneath fingertips, crimson juice kissing nail beds and a sink of teeth: your doing, your undoing.
you’ve lived enough times to learn the hex of fruits stained by temptation, not enough to put yourself above desire.
apples locked Adam out, pomegranates kept Persephone there.
the dying embers of Paradise on your tongue
taste like a relic turned sour, Faustian and unbecoming, yet so good like the air that keeps every heart pulsing, every lung inhaling, exhaling
1st: Ana Bolakoso (10V)
No New World
The Oceans carried us full of gusto
First Atlantic then Pacific
The creak of salt and wood
We sought a place untouched
Unclaimed
A blank map waiting for a name, our name...
But the bush was alive
It breathed in colours I could not name
Eucalyptus and Wattle teased my sinuses and senses
With voices that rose like smoke
Through the ghostly gums
Binding red earth to vast skies
I watched them...
Their steps in time with the heartbeat of the land
The first fleet usurped by generations of feet
Every stone, every stream
A sacred thing
Not mine to take
My flag stayed furled
My pen unmoved
What right had I to speak over their songlines?
To turn their ancient whispers
Into cries of loss?
A dingo howled as if on cue…
I felt the weight of my shadow
The hush of their brown eyes upon me
This was no empty shore
This was no “new world”
The horizon pulled at me
The ship groaned at anchor
Yearning for the open sea
And I, too, turned away
Unmarked.
Untouched.
In the absurdly starry sky, the southern cross, a silent witness, Drew me back to the vastness
Of what I cannot own
Not mine to “discover”.
paTana cLassic meeTs Jazz
Yunru (Maggie) Pu, Year 9
Wednesday, 12th March witnessed the musical talents of Bangkok Patana School under the spotlight during the highly anticipated Patana Classic Meets Jazz concert at Rosamund Stuetzel Theatre. This high-energy annual affair brought together the elegance of classical music and the energy of jazz to showcase students’ creativity, hard work and enthusiasm for performance.
The performance opened with the lively sounds of the Patana Big Band and the Jazz Ensemble, filling the theatre with infectious rhythms and spotlight solos—most of which were met with immediate applause by the audience. The stage was later occupied by the beautiful harmonies of the Senior Choir, Chamber Choir and Key Stage 3 String quartets, adding a softer, emotive touch to the performance.
One of the especially moving moments of the concert was watching the Year 13s perform their final pieces before they left for Songkran break—and soon graduate. It was bittersweet for many of us, and you could feel the
weight of what was happening. But the future is bright, too, as many new young performers confidently hit the stage.
A highlight that was a standout from the rest was the breathtakingly beautiful last item done by the Massed Choir and Orchestra—an impressive, poignant combination that saw some parents get emotional (same as last year’s memorable performance of Stairway to Heaven!).
Personally, my standout moment was when we the Orchestra played I Have Nothing with the Jazz Band—the music was lovely and moving. And in a shocking twist, when during Slumdog Millionaire the music slowed down and the audience applauded too soon—only for us to pick up the pace again and catch them all by surprise!
With sparks of laughter, feeling, and inspiration, it was a night to remember. Bravo to one and all—and thanks for reminding us how magical music can be when classic meets jazz.
ommuniTy engagemenT aT Bangkok paTana
WHO IS OURLAND BPS?
Weare a new senior team raising funds and awareness for OurLand. OurLand is an NGO based in Kanchanaburi, Thailand that aims to conserve and expand wild spaces while ensuring human-wildlife coexistence. They follow three main pillars: conservation, sustainability and education. OurLand also splits their projects into these three sections. Some projects they are currently working on include: reforestation and regeneration, human-elephant coexistence, sustainable energy, rainwater harvesting, and study abroad programs. Furthermore, Patana has a close link to OurLand as Year 8 students visit the site during their residential trip, giving them a chance to learn directly about the work being done.
As a club, we raise awareness and funds to support these efforts and encourage more students to get involved.
WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED?
As we are a relatively new and small club, we wanted to connect with more students and spread awareness about what we are raising money for. Therefore, this year we have:
• Raised funds through various pursuits such as bake sales and drink sales within the school community.
• Created a charm jewelry bar at Fun Day where students and parents were able to customize their own animal based charm bracelets with personalised touches.
• Hosted fun animal matching games at the Community Engagement Fair in September aiming to inform students about us and what we do.
• A Year 12 CAS class hosted a wildlife themed art competition with funds going to OurLand
• Visited the OurLand site in Kanchanaburi to learn more about what we are raising funds for.
• Researched and learnt about the nearly extinct Banteng species in Thailand and what OurLand is doing to protect them.
VISITING OURLAND
In February 2025, Simran Hora and Anaiya, OurLand BPS’ President and Vice President went directly to the OurLand site in Kanchanaburi in order to learn more about the cause and everything we are raising money for. During these few days we worked on how we, as a school club, could contribute to a larger project within OurLand. We
Simran Hora, Jasmine (Jazzie) James and Anaiya Malhotra, Year 12
,
visited and learnt about Banteng at the Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary, as they are a species nearing extinction in Thailand. Additionally, we visited a dog shelter with over 1000 dogs so we could start a project on dog-elephant interaction to train these dogs to alert and deter elephants from entering human property. This is a project we will be working on continuously with OurLand by visiting them further.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We hope to continue with our fundraising projects, particularly the charm bracelets. We are working on a new
project with BPS Economist as a part of their circular economy initiative to collect 500 second-hand plain t-shirts of any size in order for those t-shirts to be donated to OurLand in Kanchanaburi and be repurposed as merchandise, ensuring a circular economy and reducing textile waste.
JOIN US
Join us on Tuesdays at 12:40 pm in Hum 202, new members are always welcome!
For more information: Instagram: @ourland.bps Email: siho26@patana.ac.th
paTana unpLugged
A NIGHT OF RAW TALENT AND MUSICAL MAGIC
The Black Box Theatre was buzzing with energy as students, parents and staff gathered for Patana Unplugged, one of the most anticipated evenings in our annual concert series. The intimate setting created the perfect atmosphere for an eclectic showcase of student talent, with performances spanning musical theatre, acoustic pop duos, classical string ensembles and punchy garage bands.
Students from Year 7 to Year 13 took to the stage, many presenting their own arrangements, in front of a warm and appreciative audience. From Amy Winehouse to Coldplay, the song choices reflected a wide range of musical tastes and influences. The recent film adaptation of Wicked clearly struck a chord, with several performers choosing pieces from the soundtrack. From soulful solos to spirited group performances, every act brought something unique to the evening.
Our talented Arts Council, made up of IBCP Arts students, expertly emceed the event, guiding the audience through the diverse line-up with professionalism and charm. A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedicated Music
Department, whose guidance, accompaniment, and behind-the-scenes support made the evening possible.
The night concluded on a high note with an uplifting performance by the Senior Choir, whose harmonies left the audience inspired and smiling.
Patana Unplugged is part of a wider series of student performance opportunities for Secondary students, including Patana Solo Festival, Patana Classic Meets Jazz, Patana Plugged, Patana United and Patana Pianos. These events each champion a different style and are important cornerstones of nurturing creativity and confidence through performance, alongside the bigger events like whole school assemblies, Christmas concert and external Festivals.
Personally, participating in Patana Unplugged was a chance to share my love of musical theatre, test my ability to both sing and act a part, and enjoy spending time with my friends from the Senior Choir who also love music. I was a little nervous because the setting is so intimate (no hiding behind bright lights), but the audience were kind and supportive and that gave me confidence.
Ana Bolakoso, Year 10
d esigning for c hange :
John Clare, Design + Technology Teacher
Overthe course of Year 12 and 13, our Design Technology students have taken multiple trips to The Village International Education Centre as part of their internal assessment and undertaken their own design project, focusing on socially responsible design. We take four visits to The Village throughout the project, with each visit demonstrating the fantastic work our students have done here at Patana, developing their investigation and initial ideas to fully functioning working prototypes. This displays the last two members of the class and their fantastic work. I with them all the best of luck .
JANINE WALKER
Janine is a focused and independent thinker who approached this project with empathy and intrigue, working with a client from The Village International Education Centre to develop a product tailored to users with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her design, a multifunctional shape sorter with textured panels, provides a range of tactile stimuli to support emotional regulation and cognitive development. Through collaboration with students and staff, Janine effectively applied user feedback to guide the design process, resulting in a thoughtful and engaging tool that meets both sensory and developmental needs.
JANINE’S REFLECTION:
Within this project, I worked with a client from The Village International Education Centre, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The goal of the project was to identify a problem and design a functional product for the users to utilise.
My aim was focused on providing a range of tactile stimuli that can help aid the users calm themselves down without causing physical or mental distress, focusing on
their vestibular needs. By collaborating with the users and the staff, I was able to obtain useful data which helped me in the development and iterative nature of the design process.
With this information, I created a multi functional shape sorter with textured panels, providing lots of sensory stimuli for the users to calm themselves down with. This product helps the users improve their cognitive skills as well as promoting emotional regulation.
D+T STuDenTS ShowcaSe Their DeSignS
ANOUK ZAPPA
Anouk, a student who was new to Design Technology, approached this project with her focus solely on user needs, working with a user group of much older students from The Village International School. The aim was to design a storage system that supports students’ organisational skills while offering sensory engagement. By incorporating visual and auditory feedback, the final prototype encourages stimulation and satisfaction through use. Through collaboration and ongoing testing, Anouk developed a practical and engaging solution that supports both learning and everyday life skills.
ANOUK’S REFLECTION:
In my project, I worked with a client and user group from The Village International School. The goal of this project was to design and create prototypes that promote effective storage in the school and the students ability to compartmentalise and organisation skills, developing key skills for everyday life.
The more stimulating and engaged a student can
be when using an education resource, the greater the potential for learning. My goal was to develop a storage system that focuses on these key aspects, stimulation and engagement. Using the sensory needs of students, the prototype allows for visual and auditory feedback immediately, providing satisfaction and success.
inTernaTionaL women’s day in aB-iniTio french
Emily, Ranya and Sam, Year 13
AsFrench-B SL students, we researched the overturning of the abortion law in France this time last year. A year later, we were able to research this in further detail, having more testimonials, from the French people. Historically, in French society, women often adopted the ’trad-wife’ character by completing domestic duties such as housekeeping or preparation of meals. During the Industrial Revolution, women began working in factories but were still economically dependent on their husbands. There were further changes to the status of women in 1944, when French women gained the right to vote, however, it wasn’t until 1965 that women were allowed to work without permission from their husbands and open their own bank accounts.
One of the most controversial laws revolves around abortion. During the first French Republic, before Napoleon, the act of abortion was punishable by death. Then, in 1810, abortion became a felony. This remained until 1920, when new abortion laws were created which completely prohibited the act of abortion and the use of contraception on the grounds of needing to repopulate after WWI. A law was introduced on the 27th of March 1923 that stated anyone who induced a miscarriage was punished with up to five years of imprisonment. The death penalty for abortion was not formally abolished until the liberation of Paris in 1944. This led to a period of civil unrest and pushed a new civil rights movement prominent in the media, campaigning for equal rights and more opportunities for women. An example of one of these movements is the Mouvement de libération des Femmes (“the Women’s Liberation Front”). One famous individual of this time is Gisèle Halimi, who was one of 343 women in 1971 who admitted to having an illegal abortion. Formed her group Choisir, who worked to protect others who had similar experiences. Finally, in 1975, La Loi Veil (“The Veil Act”) was passed, decriminalising abortions in France.
Ultimately, this culminated in the right to abort being enshrined in the French constitution in March 2024. This was a controversial decision because abortion has always been stigmatised, and speaking out about it has been against societal values, often religious ones. As Catholicism is the majority religion in France, ith believes that abortion is a ‘grave moral sin’. They preach that human life is sacred, that a child is God’s creation and that deliberately causing an abortion is a sin. This is further seen as the Vatican has criticised this new addition to the constitution. Politically, many right-wing and conservative parties want
to maintain the traditional family structure where women are expected to take care of the household and care for children. Acknowledging this, France still decided to write it into the constitution, possibly due to pressures from women aborting illegally and unsafely, as well as the fact that 85% of the population voted in favor of this in an attempt to modernise their more archaic views. In celebration of this passing, the Eiffel tower was lit up with the words, “My body, my choice”, a universal phrase synonymous with this movement.
Teachers as arTs pracTiTioners (Taps) proJecT: insighTs from The exhiBiTion
The Teachers as Arts Practitioners (TAPs) Project is a continuous professional learning programme that supports and celebrates the artistic talents and contributions of academic and business staff within the Bangkok Patana community, showcasing their creative journeys and inspirations. Following the exhibition ‘Patana Canvases: Unveiling the Artistic Practices of Our Community’, our artists continue to create and innovate. Miss Nina, a Primary Art Teaching Assistant, channels her passion for film photography and painting into expressive works crafted from overlooked and discarded materials. Her exhibited collection highlights the importance of sustainable art practices, inspiring greater environmental awareness and demonstrating how creativity and sustainability can intersect in meaningful ways.
Interview with Areeluck (Nina) Songsirikul
Role: Art Teaching Assistant
1. WHAT DRAWS YOU TO FILM PHOTOGRAPHY IN A DIGITAL WORLD?
As an artist, I am deeply engaged with two distinct yet complementary mediums: film photography and painting. Each provides a unique way to interpret the world around me, yet both celebrate the beauty of imperfection, spontaneity, and chance. Deep in my heart, I’ve loved photography since childhood. However, access to it was chal-
lenging due to economic limitations, leading me to turn to digital photography for its convenience and affordability. That changed when a dear friend reintroduced me to film photography, a world I had almost forgotten. The tangible nature of film draws me in—selecting a roll, framing a shot, waiting for light to fall just right. With film, I embrace the unknown; each shot captures a moment that remains a mystery until it develops, often revealing details that were invisible to the eye but alive within the frame. The process is one of trust and discovery, as I allow intention and serendipity to intersect. Film photography resists the instant control of digital editing, preserving an honest, unfiltered reality that invites viewers to see beyond the obvious and connect with the rawness of each moment. For me, each photograph is a celebration of the fleeting, unguarded aspects of life that often go unnoticed.
2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO PAINTING?
I work primarily with leftover paint, allowing the colours and textures available to shape each piece. This method brings an element of surprise and challenge as I transform unused materials into something entirely new. My paintings are not extensions of my photography but rather a separate exploration of color, shape, and movement. This process allows me to create freely, guided by intuition rather than a predetermined outcome. By using what is
Purnima Ghogar, TAPs Project Lead | Secondary English Teacher
Taps arTisT
often discarded, I aim to bring a renewed perspective, finding potential and beauty in the overlooked.
3. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR KEY ARTWORKS AND WHAT THEY REPRESENT?
The Series of My Memories: Two years ago, I began capturing everyday moments on film, rediscovering the beauty of this medium. Each photo surprises me, evoking emotions I cherish. Film photography has transformed my life, allowing me to preserve memories in a way that feels authentic. I hope this series resonates with you as they do with me.
The Exit: This painting represents the emotions I’ve experienced. Using the limited colours left from each lesson, I shaped forms resembling the mouth of a cave filled with chaos. Each curve came to life in moments, as though I was racing to escape exhaustion and fear. These overwhelming feelings merged to create a vivid image of an exit—a symbol of hope. It reminds me that even in the most challenging circumstances, a solution always exists, guiding us toward resolution and light beyond the darkness. This work reflects both struggle and the resilience to find a way forward.
The Reflection in Blue: This art depicts a sorrowful wom-
an, reflecting the pain of neglect. She was created entirely from leftover paint—discarded remnants from each art lesson. Day after day, I felt guilt and sadness watching materials go to waste. Instead of washing them away, I chose to give them a purpose, allowing emotions to flow freely onto the canvas. The result is a deeply expressive piece, capturing both her sadness and my journey of transformation. This work is not just a painting; it’s a testament to finding beauty and meaning in what others might overlook or discard.
4. HOW HAS YOUR ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY INFLUENCED YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY?
The TAPs Project has given me a wonderful opportunity to share my love for art with the community and to inspire others to embrace creativity in their own lives. While my role centers on art, few people know that I actually graduated with a degree in English from Ramkhamhaeng University. My passion for art didn’t emerge overnight; I have been cultivating this interest for years, exploring various artistic mediums. Since joining Bangkok Patana School in 2014 as a Primary Art Technician, and now as a Primary Art Teaching Assistant, I have had the chance to grow as an artist and mentor. Cheerful, kind and supportive, I hope to continue bringing warmth to everyone I encounter through my art and teaching.
Patana ParTiciPaTeS!
Achievements from Our Community
Sorachon Boonsong, Parent
Tonsol participated in a golf competition organised by Future Junior Golf Thailand (FJGT) at Alpine Golf Club. He played in the Boys’ Class C category, scoring 75. His performance earned him the 1st runner -up position in his category.
Patana ParTiciPaTeS!
Achievements from Our Community
Filipa Hoppenbrouwers, Parent
Matias competed in the Muangthai triathlon on 29th March and attained 6th place in the 9-10 year old category! Congratulations!
The PTG AGM will be held on 8th May from 8-9am at The Primary Hall. All parents and teaching staff are welcome. Find out what your PTG has accomplished over the past year, and vote for the next year’s respresentative.
For More Details, please email: ptgchair@patana.ac.th, and visit the PTG Firefly page here
