Patana News Volume 27 Issue 29 by Bangkok Patana School

Khun Nudang

Our COmmunity: inClusiOn and BelOnging

Grant Robertson, Assistant Principal, Student Welfare; Secondary Safeguarding Lead

Irememberwincing, just a little, when an ex-colleague described Bangkok Patana School as a ‘welloiled machine.’ It was said fondly and meant as a compliment; indeed, it was acknowledging the professionalism, efficiency and the seamless experience offered to our students and families. But something about it made me pause. A machine? Functional? Well-oiled? Are we really just a set of cogs, ticking over reliably to deliver outcomes? Isn’t a good school also a bit ‘messy’ and ‘chaotic’ at times? From Nursery to Year 13 we are all on a very bumpy ride - and thank goodness for that because school is surely a place where we can make mistakes and learn: it isn’t a 5* hotel. I mean, Bangkok Patana will never aspire to

be a White Lotus resort… delete that thought immediately!

Patana is hopefully less of a machine and more of a living, breathing ecosystem; an environment that is diverse, dynamic and deeply human. A place where kindness matters, where smiles are exchanged in the corridor; where a helping hand offered, or a quiet but sincere ‘thank you’ can be just as vital as assessment tests and report grades.

That being said, we should also acknowledge the truth in the ‘well oiled machine’ metaphor. Functionality and reliability are essential. Without them, the complexity of daily life in a school of 2,300+ students and over 5,000 members in our wider community

would grind to a halt. But a machine? We’re something richer, more human, and more remarkable than that.

We are a community.

But what does that really mean? It’s at this point that student voice and leadership intersect with the shared values of inclusion and belonging that underpin Our Community.

The Junior Student Representative Council (JSRC) observed that, at times, when we talk about community, we unintentionally narrow the parameters, often focusing on students, teachers and parents. But the truth is, at Bangkok Patana, it takes everyone - everyone - to create the environment we are so proud of.

The JSRC’s key initiative is to raise awareness and celebrate the individuals who keep our school running smoothly, ensuring they are seen and valued as people, not just defined by their roles.

Every morning, long before most students arrive, our housekeeping staff have already made the campus gleam. Our gardeners are pruning and watering. Security guards are stationed with quiet vigilance, greeting families with a smile while keeping our community safe. Canteen and snack bar staff are preparing food with care and efficiency to nourish over two thousand young minds. Bus monitors are managing the logistical genius of daily journeys across Bangkok, offering comfort, safety and order to our students. These colleagues are often the first and last school adults our children see each day.

These roles are not supplementary to the learning experience, they are essential to it. It’s easy to notice the

polished product such as the concert, the competition, the education fair, but the behind-the-scenes orchestration that makes those moments possible deserves equal applause.

Part of what makes our school special is the sense that every person on campus has a role, and that every role matters. No one is invisible here. Or at least, that’s the aspiration we must constantly live up to. Belonging isn’t something that just happens; it is something we build, intentionally and daily. With this in mind, the JSRC launched a new project to interview some of the everyday heroes who are essential to the life of our school: those who keep this living, breathing community thriving… and yes, who also happen to be the key components in our well-oiled machine.

So let’s meet some of the wonderful people we pass every day - those working in Housekeeping, Transport, the Secondary Office, tending to cut knees, or serving ice cream to hungry

teens!

Firstly, we have Khun Nudang, Name : Nudang Puttasa

Job title : Caretaker/housekeeper

JSRC: What is your favourite food?

K. Nudang: Somtum - Papaya salad

JSRC: Do you live near here?

K. Nudang: Yes, I live locally in Lasalle

JSRC: Where is your workplace?

K. Nudang: I work in different areas but mainly in the Thai Sala and The Secondary Office.

JSRC: How long have you been working at Patana?

K. Nudang: 16 years

JSRC: What do you like to do in your free time?

K. Nudang: I go to temples to make merit at a temple near here, Bang Na

ELLSA at Beijing

Nok - near my house.

JSRC: What is your favourite place to go to?

K. Nudang: Suan Lueng. I like to run there because the weather is good.

JSRC: Are there a lot of people that talk to you in school?

K. Nadong: Yes! Me and all my friends that work here talk with each other all the time!

JSRC: How about students?

K. Nadong: Yes, they mostly greet me and we say hello to each other.

JSRC: Are most of the students that greet you older students or younger students?

K. Nadong: It is mostly the older students who know me well.

JSRC: Can you tell us a bit about your family?

K. Nadong: I live with my daughters; they have graduated school already and they are now working here at Patana with me!

JSRC: What is your favourite thing about Patana?

K. Nadong: I like cleaning. I love to take care and give a good service to the students.

JSRC: What is your favorite day of the week and why?

K. Nadong: I was born on a Thursday - so my favorite day of the week is Thursday!

JSRC: Could you tell us about a happy memory that you have?

K. Nadong: There’s so many, no? But a happy memory that I like is when I lived with my parents in another province - my home town. In the morning as a little girl, I would wake up and help my mum cook breakfast.

I was very proud!

JSRC: Is there a single fun event that happened in Patana that you remember?

K. Nadong: No, not really. I just enjoy doing my work - I love cleaning and keeping everything looking good.

JSRC: If you didn’t have this job, what would you choose to do?

K. Nadong: If I could choose another job….I would still choose my job to clean here because I like my job here so much.

JSRC: What is an area that is very hard to clean?

K. Nadong: The Lounge can be tiring if some students finish eating and don’t throw their trash into the bins properly, so I would love them to help me. Empathy is so important.

JSRC: If you had a superpower what would you choose?

K. Nadong: I would choose to win the lottery!

JSRC: What could the students do to help your job be easier?

K. Nadong: Just everyone remembering to put their trash in the bin and return spoons, forks or plates to the canteen. Just doing that will help my job be easier. I like cleaning but it’s better when I’m not tired.

JSRC: Thank you for your time and thank you so much for talking to us today!

K. Nudang: Thank you too!

Our thanks also go to Khun Nudang for reminding us all to prioritise

empathy. Whether we see ourselves as a ‘well-oiled machine’ or an ‘interconnected organic ecosystem’, our community will only truly thrive, and be a happier, better place for everyone, when we take the time to put ourselves in each other’s shoes.

So yes, perhaps we are a well-oiled machine. But we are also something more human and hopeful than that. We are a school where excellence does not come at the expense of kindness. Where inclusion is not a buzzword but a daily practice. Where people - all people - matter.

In a world where it is all too easy to feel unseen or undervalued, the JSRC believe one of our greatest achievements as a school is our capacity to show people that they belong. That they are valued.

Join us next week for a Spotlight on the Snackbar!

JSRC Members:

Isabella Pitcher 8S

Nicole (Nikkie) Maria Araneta 9C

Areeya (Proud) Vijakkhana 7C

Sia Lee 7S

Sharyn Narula 8W

Natnaree (Suri) Tiraratanakul 9H

Sirianong (Plearn) Devakula Na Ayudhya 8A

Yu-ning (Emily) Wang 7C

Aviraj Sehgal 8R

Hrehaan Pillay 8W

Read Khun Nudang’s interview in Thai here

#298: imprOve exam study time By managing nOtifiCatiOns

According to Common Sense Media, teens get an average of 237 notifications a day. That’s hundreds of alerts pulling them away from study sessions, rest, and even sleep.

In this video, Wayne Denner shows you how to use a simple but powerful iPhone feature called Focus Mode to help you and your child(ren):

• Limit distractions during study time

• Protect their sleep from late-night notifications

• Reduce stress during exam season.

This isn’t about going screen-free, it’s about making tech work for them, not against them.

Watch the video with your child and set it up together. It only takes a few minutes, and it might make a big difference in taking control of their (and your) digital distractions.

Brian Taylor Vice Principal, Technology for Learning

year 9 thai trip tO museum siam

On Thursday, 8th May 2025, Year 9 students who take Thai class joined a trip to Museum Siam, a well-known interactive museum in Bangkok. This complemented their learning about Thai history and culture and how it influences current Thai beliefs and traditions. Some students also shared their experiences and highlighted interesting points from the visit.

Chanya (Bayla) Somboonvechakarn, 9H: The Siam Museum gave me a new perspective on Thai history in a way that felt real and easy to connect with. The way they used visuals, like the glass layers showing how temple architecture changed over time, really helped me see history in a new way. It wasn’t just about reading facts, but actually understanding how Thai culture has evolved. I realized how much of the present is shaped by the past, and it made me think more about where our traditions come from. Overall, I learned a lot, and it gave me a better appreciation for Thai history.

Narida (Nia) Ekaraphanich, 9N: Visiting the Museum Siam was an enriching and interactive experience that helped me understand how Thai culture has evolved into a more modern approach. I really enjoyed learning how traditional Thai identity has adapted over time, blending with global influences while still keeping its unique charm. Did you know that the McDonald’s mascot that does the ‘wai’ is exclusive to Thailand? The museum’s creative exhibits, such as multimedia displays and dress-up scenes, made the history easy to relate to and grasp. This handson learning made the trip both fun and intellectual, giving me a clearer view of how despite our country’s evolution, traditional norms and ideas are still deep-rooted in our culture.

Nannapas (Chacha) Kaninthanond, 9N: We learned about Thai culture and heritage in many interactive ways keeping us engaged and immersed throughout the entire experience. We saw exhibits with all things that make Thailand unique, Thai food, Thai traditional classrooms

Dr Rattana Chanruam, Thai Curriculum Leader

and so much more. We had fun trying on traditional Thai clothes and took lots of pictures. We also discovered fortune sticks, which are popular among Thai people and can be found in many temples across Thailand. The most interesting part of this experience was the dark room with moving exhibits in lit-up glass boxes creatively telling the story of Thailand from past to present. This has truly been a memorable experience that has taught me so much about different aspects wrapped around Thailand.

Arin (Arthur) Utoktham, 9Y: The Siam Museum gave

me an incredible experience! We learnt about Thailand in the past and how it was developed into modern Thailand. A lot of this was through interactive exhibits, which made the museum very fun and exciting! My favourite exhibit was the one where glass boxes would rise, with models of famous things in Thai history, as the narrator talked about the history of Thailand. All in all, this was an amazing museum! thank you to the Thai teachers for making this field trip a one I will remember!

THAI NEWSLETTER CAN BE READ HERE

Foundation Stage Sports Day

W EDNESDAY 21 ST M AY 2025

TIME: 8:00AM—9:30AM

VENUE: SPORTS HALL

Please feel free to follow your child and their class around the Sports Day stations and cheer them on in all of the exciting activities that they will encounter.

danCe aCademy shines at the 12th thailand danCe grand prix

Sarah Dullaghan, Head Dance Coach

TheDance Academy recently returned from a hugely successful debut showing at the CSTD Thailand Dance Competition: 12th Thailand Dance Grand Prix, held over six days of performances, creativity and celebration. Bringing 101 students competing across 11 teams and 9 solo/duo entries, our Academy was proud to represent the full breadth of styles offered at the academy - showcasing routines in ballet, jazz, hip hop, K-pop and Latin.

In a competition renowned for its high calibre of talent, our students demonstrated not only technical ability but also remarkable stage presence and artistic expression. Across the event, the Academy was thrilled to receive a total of 17 awards: 10 Honourable Mentions, three Bronze (3rd place), three Silver (2nd place), and one highly sought-after Gold (1st place) award. The results were an impressive achievement, particularly given the stiff competition and the fact that some of our dancers were competing in age categories above their own. Every student represented the Academy with determination and grace, embodying the true spirit of dance.

Beyond the accolades, what truly stood out was the spirit and resilience of our students. They showed patience during long days, supported one another wholeheartedly, and danced with sheer joy and passion. There were moments of triumph and moments of disappointment – but throughout, students demonstrated maturity and empathy. This experience has deepened their understanding of teamwork, perseverance and the emotional depth that comes with live performance. The lessons learned offstage were as important as those demonstrated on it.

Our Dance Academy coaches are immensely proud –not only of the outstanding performances, but of the positive attitudes and growth shown by all participants. The sense of pride, excitement and genuine happiness radiated from our dancers and was shared by families and staff alike.

Congratulations to all our performers – you truly made this a competition to remember. Bring on next year!

Bangkok Patana School News

OperatiOn smile

This year, Operation Smile at Bangkok Patana School (also known as The Smile Club) has been particularly active. Our numerous fundraising events included hosting a bake sale, a lucky draw, and volunteering at school events such as Funday and selling treats at the whole school musical production of Grease! We even hosted our very own Smile Day, where we encouraged members of the school community to dress up in yellow and bright colours while donating money towards our

cause. On this day, we also organised activities for both Primary and Secondary School students. For primary, we arranged a colouring activity to raise awareness about cleft lips and palates, whereas for secondary, we ran a stall selling baked goods and held a lucky draw, which attracted many students and new potential club members. Overall, with all our efforts, we helped raise over THB 200,000 this year.

Najai (Waan-Yen) Wongpaibool 12K, President of Smile Club

Ommunity engagement at BangkOk patana

Matthew Thepsoparn, 12K

BUILDING BLOCKS: BRIDGING NEURODIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY AT PATANA

At Bangkok Patana School, inclusion is becoming more than just a buzzword—thanks to Building Blocks, a student-led initiative working to dismantle the invisible walls that often separate neurodivergent individuals from the wider community. Founded on the belief that neurodiversity is not a deficit but a different and equally valuable way of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world, the club aims to make inclusion tangible, sustainable, and human.

Despite increased global awareness, Thailand continues to face significant challenges when it comes to integrating neurodivergent individuals into daily life—especially the workforce. Employment rates remain critically low, a stark reminder that meaningful inclusion cannot wait for adulthood. It has to start now, and it has to start with us.

Building Blocks is built on that urgency. Led by a team of students deeply committed to social change, we focus not just on raising awareness, but on creating experiences—moments of real connection that allow empathy and understanding to take root.

Matthew Thepsoparn, President and Founder says, “I’ve always believed that the best form of advocacy is action. And that belief is reflected in everything we do.”

In partnership with Steps at Theera, we hosted a Hallow -

een party for neurodivergent youth and their families—a night of laughter, costumes, and shared joy that blurred the lines between “us” and “them.” Through events like these, we foster an environment where everyone can be their full selves without fear of judgment or exclusion.

But inclusion is about more than just celebrations. It’s about equipping people with the tools to thrive.

That’s why we partnered with The Village to offer weekly swimming lessons, providing not just physical benefits but also a supportive space for neurodivergent individuals to grow in confidence, learn new skills, and feel seen. Over three months, we watched participants go from hesitant to empowered—testament to the power of consistency and care.

We also organise life skill trips—real-world excursions designed to build independence and self-assurance. From learning how to navigate Bangkok’s public transportation to managing money and making social decisions, these experiences give our neurodivergent peers the practical skills they’ll need in adulthood. They’re not just field trips— they’re stepping stones toward autonomy.

One of our most memorable initiatives was welcoming visitors from CCD (Baan Fuang Fah) to our school for a full day of activities. With the support of the school’s cafeteria and staff, we shared meals, laughter, games, and genuine connection. It was a day that reminded all of us—students

and guests alike—that inclusion, when lived sincerely, is a source of joy, not obligation.

We’ve also taken our message beyond campus—speaking at full Year-group assemblies and student leadership conferences such as SERVICE to advocate for neurodiversity and challenge others to reimagine what inclusion actually looks like.

Each of these experiences, from classroom talks to com-

munity events, pushes us closer to a future where neurodivergent individuals aren’t just acknowledged—they’re embraced, supported, and empowered.

Building Blocks continues to prove that inclusion isn’t passive. It’s not a policy, a poster, or a buzzword. It’s an active, ongoing commitment to making sure everyone— regardless of how they think, speak, or engage with the world—has a place, a purpose, and a voice.

Patana ParticiPates!

Achievements from Our Community

Sam Michael, ECA Provider

Several young fencers represented their club with distinction at the prestigious Air Force Youth Open over the weekend, delivering impressive performances in one of Thailand’s top youth fencing competitions.

Annabelle, Year 8 took home the Gold in the Girls’ U12 Epee category. Her first-place finish was especially remarkable given that she has been fencing for just over a year. Along the way, Annabelle overcame opponents from Thailand’s national program, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. In the Girls’ U10 Epee division, Moon, Year 4 earned a well-deserved third place, standing out among a highly competitive field.

Patana ParticiPates!

Achievements from Our Community

Punk U, Parent

ArinArthur Utoktham (Year 9) received a Bronze Award in English with a score of 94 out of 100 at the Asian Science and Mathematics Olympics. He attended the awards ceremony at JJ Mall Convention Center to receive his medal and certificate.

Arthur is currently a member of the Junior Varsity Dance Team and will be performing in the upcoming *WISHFULL – Key Stage 3 Play 2025* in June.

During the April school break, Arthur volunteered at Srinakharinwirot University: Prasarnmit Demonstration School (Elementary), helping students repair robots. He drew on his two years of experience in the VEX IQ Robotics competition as a member of the BPS Robotics Team.