Patana News Volume 18 Issue 12

Patana

NEWS

Celebrating Diversity P. 2 Bangkok Patana is an IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC

Letter from the Primary Principal Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs and any other capabilities and habits acquired by [a human] as a member of society." UNESCO The Oxford Dictionary online states that cultural diversity is “The existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society: cultural diversity has increased, exposing kids to new

veloped over the years and we have partaken in arts and crafts alongside some wonderful games that have engaged the students regardless of their age.

We have even been tempted to visit these countries for our holidays.

If you look at the iceberg below you will see that these two days share one element of the cultural experience. As a school community we continue to celebrate this key aspect of cultural awareness but we are looking to build in the deep cultural experience for everyone who is associated with Bangkok Patana.

These wonderful two days are not possible without the PTG and those parents who volunteer their time to organise the events from the food to the entertainment to getting

the students in the right place. A huge thank you to you all from the school community for giving up your time, skills and determination to make this happen.

Have an enjoyable weekend and we wish Secondary students a great time on their Residential Visits next week. Good luck to the Year 11 students who will be writing their mock exams and all the best to the Year 13 students who will be completing their IB coursework.

Clare Sharp Primary Principal

tastes and experiences.”

This week we have come together as a whole school community to celebrate our diversity on International Day. During the two days that make up the International Day celebrations at Bangkok Patana, we have an opportunity to celebrate our different backgrounds and cultural experiences.

In the whole school assembly we were able to see many examples of national dress, hear different types of music, enjoy dances and practice some greetings from different countries. In the Food Hall, something we all love, we had the opportunity to taste some new foods and also some of our favourites from around the world.

The ‘Expo’, has grown and de- Graphic: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/319122323566922968/

By Lauren Morling, 12V and Bhisasha (Paddy) Chayangpath, 11T arlier this year, Patana Amnesty organised a workshop about the work of Amnesty International in conjunction with Amnesty at ISB and Amnesty International Thailand. It was there that we decided to hold a collaborative Arts competition between the two schools to celebrate freedom of expression. Students could submit entries in any of the following categories: Visual Art, Creative Writing and Film.

There were some bumps in the road in organising the competition with tight deadlines to meet and the two clubs having to mainly communicate online. In the end, we achieved our aims with advertising the competition at both schools as well as uploading, judging the entries and publicising the results online.

The number of submissions we received from both schools was remarkable; we were also pleased to get entries from across all the age groups in Secondary. It reinforced to us the importance of the human rights for which we fight and how many young people support freedom of expression.

We had three winners across the categories from Bangkok Patana: Shayomi (Tia) Srivastava and Cassie Teigen (Creative Writing and Visual Art), Gene Dumnernchanvanich (Creative Writing) and our youngest winner, Angwara (Book) Nilanont (Visual Art.) To celebrate their achievements, we held an Exhibition on 7th and 8th November at the HOF Art Residency in Phra Khanong.

The winning pieces were displayed alongside haunting photographs of death row prisons in the USA by New-York based photographer and human rights activist Scott Langley. It was an incredible opportunity for young artists and activists to have their work displayed in a professional art space alongside his work. We were also pleased with the large attendance from both schools for the awards ceremony, where we had speeches from the Amnesty International Thailand Youth Coordinators, as well as from Helen Chang (Amnesty ISB President), the teachers who judged the entries, and myself.

It was truly empowering to see how much a small group like ours could achieve in such a short time span. Throughout the organisation and preparation, I had become so caught up in the worries about the success of the event that I forgot what we had been

working towards. Now, looking at the pieces in this exhibition that we had created, I can finally take a moment to reflect upon why we were raising awareness: For those who have had their basic human right to freedom of expression taken away from them.

We must speak up for those who can’t. We must light the candle in the darkness of oppression. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved and hope that we have been able to spark a change in those who participated.

By Nicholas Landi, 12A ear 12 English Literature students have been studying various texts in preparation for their Individual Oral Presentations. This is a response by Nicholas Landi to one of those texts, the play ‘An Inspector Calls’ written by J.B Priestley.

‘An Inspector Calls’ is a play that embodies early 20th century England and is set in the Birling’s Mansion. The Birling family is spending a happy evening celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft - a marriage that will result in the merging of two successful local businesses. However, just when everything seems to being going perfectly, they receive a surprise visit from an Inspector Goole who is investigating the suicide of a young girl. What follows is a riveting play that brings to light themes that are still prevalent in today’s society.

Themes such as Guilt and Social Responsibility are explored throughout the play, and one might ask if they are still significant issues in the modern world.

The answer is yes, and quite possibly more so now than in the past. Today people are connected

to each other more than ever before, and improvements in technology, such as the invention of smart phones and the Internet have allowed us to communicate with virtually anyone around the world and vice versa. One advantage of improved technology is our almost instant access to media coverage of current world events. However most people, including myself, do not appreciate the power of the information available to us, and rather than doing something to help others and improve our world with it, we simply shrug it off and carry on with our lives. For example, the recent refugee crisis in Europe is all over social media, and through the Internet I have been able to see the atrocities that are taking place and experience the hardships of the people involved.

However, just because I, like many others, sympathise with them does not necessarily mean I will do anything to help their situation. My inaction may be attributed to the idea that my life is unaffected by their suffering, and therefore if I am not affected I do not need to take action.

Yet, as Inspector Goole says “there are millions of Eva Smiths

and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes, and fears, their chance of suffering, and chance of happiness. All intertwined with our lives, with what we think, say and do”. Perhaps we are all more closely connected than we think, and from now on we as a society should consider our actions, as there are always consequences with everything we do.

reminder to parents of children in Year 1 through 13 to please complete our 15 minute survey on the Competitive Sports Programme. It can be accessed at this link: www.patana.ac.th/Go/?To=891 The survey closes on Friday 20th November. The results will be published in Patana News later this term.

Your valued feedback will help to inform the future direction of the programme. Thank you in anticipation for completing this survey.

Upcoming University Visits University/College

Location

Date / Time

US Education fair University of Melbourne

5th Floor, Siam Paragon Hall, Royal Paragon 2nd floor Senior Studies Mentor Office,16th Fl., Regent House, Rajdamri Rd.

14th Nov, 12.00pm 20th Nov, 12.15pm

University of the Arts London

26th Nov, 10.00am

By Njah Khan, PTG Chair nternational Day is one of the biggest events in school and a day that showcases our amazing and diverse cultures. It certainly isn’t a one-man show and the International Day team collaborated well with the school in making it a special day for the whole school community, especially the students.

On behalf of the PTG, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who was helped make this event possible. As well a special mention goes to a few people:  The International Day Team – Vani Sharma, Katharina Ayrle, Claire Mei Chen Ledoit, Ambika Pradeep and Suzie Jhanji, who have worked hard over the last few months to make this event possible;  Country Reps and parent volunteers who volunteered countless hours to help their countries provide a wonderful day to the whole Bangkok Patana Community;  Genevieve Ahl, Khun Pa and the Services team without whom none of this would be possible;  The Buildings and Grounds Department;



Emma Goligher, Cheryl Rego, Khun Rooth and Khun Pook for all their help and amazing photographs;  Helen Thew, Carol Battram, all Secondary and Primary Staff for their help and support;  David Larking and Khun Tossaporn with help on the PA system;  Student DJs - Saf Khan, 13C and Markhus Cabel, 13C for the fantastic parade music despite having a few technical difficulties;  All the parents who came in to celebrate this event.

I hope to see many of you at the PTG Social Evening on Saturday 14th November, 7.00pm onwards at Snapper!

By Genevieve Ahl, Services Manager econdary Residential Visits Departure: Please plan ahead and inform Transport if you know you will bring your child to school on the morning of Monday 16th November for the departure of their Secondary Residential Visit.

Transport on Monday 16th November will run as normal for Secondary students in all years except Year 9 (buses cancelled). Please help to avoid unnecessary delays to other bus users by cancelling the bus for your child and also for any siblings if applicable.

Return: When students in Years 7, 8, 10 and 12 return on Friday 20th November all afternoon transport home has been cancelled. If you would like your child to take the bus home on this day please ensure that

you inform Transport in advance.

Year 11 and 13 Students: Transport will run as normal in the morning for all students in Years 11 and 13 during the week of Secondary Residential Visits. All Transport home has been changed to the default bus of 2.30pm. If you require a later bus due to a late exam finishing time, please contact Transport to inform them and check bus availability. If you will not be using your morning or afternoon bus, please be courteous and inform Transport in advance to avoid inconvenience to staff, drivers, monitors and other students. Your cooperation is much appreciated.

Year 9 Students: All Transport has been cancelled for the week of Mon 16 – Fri 20th November.

Primary Students: Transport for Primary students will run at the normal times in the morning and afternoon for next week. Please inform your child/ren that the combination of students on the bus and the afternoon bus number may change during this week. You will not be notified unless it affects your bus pick up time. Students will be informed at the car park if their bus number changes in the afternoon. Please remind students that if they are unsure about their bus all they need to do is ask a member of the Transport staff at the car park who will assist them.

Contact Transport at: Transport@patana.ac.th Ph: 02 785 2470

THE ROAR Produced by the Athletics Council

Upcoming Events 27th-29th November: SEASAC Golf SEASAC Cross Country 12th December: BPS Invitational tournaments; Varsity Touch, Varsity Rugby, Varsity Basketball, U13 and U15 Boys’ and Girls’ Football 11-13th December: Feeding Frenzy Swim Meet 9-10th January: BISAC Varsity Tennis Singles 17th January: BISAC Varsity Sports 29-31st January: SUPER SEASAC

Top Row: Beccy Waite, Jasmine Chewter, Emily Mitchell-Storey, Marie Guest, Password Thepkanjana and Alexandre Lacrosse Bottom Row: Satu Penttila, Eshana Pussegoda, Nina Chatuchinda, Kate Wattanavekin, and Millie Ribeiro (Missing: Ellen Hagelauer)

30-31st January: U11 to JV BISAC tournaments

Meet the Athletics Council Started in 2011, the Athletics Council is a student-led council that aims to proactively promote school spirit through organising sporting events. We believe that sports, whether competitive or recreational, are great opportunities for students to interact and unite as a community, without Rugby over-looking the importance of having fun.

U15 Boys - 2nd

Some of the things we Touch are proud to have achieved as a council include The Roar (a weekly newsletter aimed to report results, upcoming matches, and celebrate our "Athlete Of The Week"), U15 Girls - Champions hosting fun lunchtime activities to encourage students to engage in sporting events as a team (such as Year group dodgeball tournaments, teacher vs. students competitions and intramural Football sports activities). Designing the annual Varsity shirts to honour student athletes, hosting Varsity JV Girls - Champilunches and assisting whole ons school sporting events - including the annual Sports Awards Dinner.

The council consists of 14 Years 11 to 13 including our president, Kate WattanavJVmembers Boys - 6thfrom place ekin and assisting teachers Mr Balo and Ms Bebbington. We always welcome any suggestions for future improvements, and last but not least… GO TIGERS!

www.facebook.com/bpssports

ptg@patana.ac.th

All lost property items from Primary and Secondary that have been collected this term will be on display in front of the PTG Room, near the 25m Pool, Monday 23rd – Thursday 26th November 2015 Please come along and see if anything belongs to you or your child. You never know what you might find. All remaining unclaimed lost property will be donated to a deserving charity. *Kindly collect valuable items from Reception at the front of school

Application Closing Date: 22 November 2015 The British Embassy in Bangkok is one of a world-wide network of 230 Posts, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We are recruiting a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) to join our dynamic team.

The main purpose of the job is to promote staff welfare at the British Embassy, both in the office and among wider Embassy community, in order to help make the British Embassy in Bangkok a more welcoming and respectful post. The jobholder will work closely with the Corporate Services Section which includes existing Human Resources staff who manage most of the HR processes such as staff induction.

Main duties · To foster a positive and cooperative wider Embassy and British community: Representing the wider Embassy staff, family and community interests on the Embassy’s Leadership Committee; developing greater sense of connection within the Embassy community by producing short regular news bulletins and being involved in organizing Embassy Team Thailand and cross embassy events; acting as senior Embassy lead for the relationship with the wider British community and taking forward your own initiatives to promote staff welfare and morale. · To assist UK based staff and their dependents (partners/spouses/families) settle into Bangkok: Facilitating a positive arrival, support during posting and enable a smooth departure from the post; acting as confidential listener and source of referral for UK Based staff and their dependents who are experiencing difficulties; assisting officers/spouses from neighbouring Posts visiting Bangkok for medical and confinements; gathering/updating information on spouse/partner’s employment, schools, healthcare, recreational and social facilities; developing and updating welcome packs, reports and checklist; liaising with Diplomatic Services Family Association and providing information for London that relates to UK based staff/dependent welfare and act as Crisis Welfare Manager for all staff being a point of contact for families during crisis.

Essential Skills and Experience · Experience of living and working abroad in a foreign country and the issues that arise. · Proven record of taking responsibility and using initiative, and of excellent self-management, organisational and planning skills. · Excellent written and spoken English · Cultural sensitivity and awareness · Strong interpersonal and communication skills · Ability to demonstrate the following competences: Changing & Improving, Leading & Communicating, Collaborating & Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace and Demonstrating Resilience.

Desirable Skills and Experience: * Expatriate Management * Knowledge of Bangkok and Thailand * A good understanding of how staff work effectively within larger organisations * Fluency in Thai language * Good IT skills To Apply: Please send your CV and the completed application form, which can be downloaded from our website at, https:// www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-bangkok/about/recruitment by 22 November 2015, to thailand.recruitment@fco.gov.uk. Please include your name and job reference CLO in the email subject heading. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Interview: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to attend an interview. Interviews are expected to take place mid December 2015.

Start Date: The successful candidate should be able to commence work early January 2016.

The British Embassy is an equal opportunities employer and aims to reflect the diversity of British and Thai society. We welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or age. All applications are treated on me

The weekly canteen menu is available here.

Please check the calendar on the Parents’ Gateway, Student pages and Staff Centre for up-to-date information on school events.

Visit www.patana.ac.th and click on the relevant icon to log in