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Patana
NEWS
Friday 27th March 2020
Volume 22 Issue 26
www.patana.ac.th
LEADING A SCHOOL WHEN THE LEARNERS ARE AT HOME
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Mr Mills Final Blog of Term 2 Also in this issue...
Students Raise Funds for Scholarships/Making the Most of Your Sabbatical/Science and Stretch 27/03/2020
Bangkok Patana School News
Bangkok Patana is a not-for-profit IB World School accredited by CIS
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Leading a School When the Students and Teachers are Learning at Home Greetings Everyone,
It is only just over a week since our Bangkok Patana students had their last day at school this term. It was a sombre day as Year 13’s suddenly realised this was probably going to be their last Secondary School day ever! Being the brilliant cohort that they are, they managed to use social media the night before and hastily arranged a plan for wearing their old school uniforms on their last day. They also managed to cleverly rustle up an impromptu cohort flash mob routine in the Secondary Canteen, which entertained all of the onlookers including the Head of School watching his son perform for the last time at Secondary School!
Gratitude I’m very thankful that we managed to squeeze in our annual Jazz and Blues concert that was mouth-watering and such a stunning showcase of our talented Bangkok Patana musicians. We also celebrated high quality exhibitions from our Year 13 IB Art students and D+T students. The Year 13 final Drama solo performances just got in on time, which again were of a very high standard indeed. Finally, we all managed to celebrate Smile Day which at this time and place made the day even more special.
Continuing Student Learning Kicks Into Gear Our online learning programme, Continuing Student Learning, has kicked into gear and students and teachers are all working extremely hard to make the programme as successful as they possibly can. Of course, nothing replaces students being in school with their teachers face to face, but we are so fortunate in this modern world to have such an array of supportive ICT devices helping us break down the barriers and making sure that the learning umbilical cord is not broken. We have just sent out our first CSL survey and please make sure you give us lucid feedback as we continue to fine tune our learning from home programme. We intend to send regular surveys out to you so make sure you double check with your children as you gather your feedback.
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Optimism in Unprecedented Time I have been leading schools for a very long time and have dealt with political coups, curfews, floods, PM2.5 and even experienced our international airport being closed down for over a week but this COVID-19 virus is impacting us all around the globe in unprecedented times. I remember my wise father saying that it is when families deal with great hardship the great depth of love is what prevails. I’m ever the optimist and do hope that all the government lockdowns that are inhibiting our day to day life right now will have direct consequences in curtailing the spread of the virus. Mark Lanzuela, in the Marketing team, managed to take this stunning photo (front cover) of a kingfisher attending an unusually quiet campus while the students are away. Stay safe and well and I send my best wishes to all our amazing Bangkok Patana students that I miss not being around the campus! Best wishes, Matt Mills Head of School
Updates and Information on the School’s COVID-19 Procedures 27/03/2020
Bangkok Patana School News
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Continuing Student Learning (CSL) Survey Summary Results Helen Thew, Cross Campus Principal hank you for taking the time to complete the CSL survey. We received 737 responses. The main purpose of this survey was to get your feedback from the first five days. Here are the ‘headline’ results from the survey:
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We are clearly hearing that both you and your child(ren) would really appreciate the face to face interaction where possible and being supported by the teachers in ‘real time’. We are working to ensure that more of these teacher-student interactions will be happening.
We have read through all the comments that you also provided and are passing on your helpful suggestions to the relevant staff. It is good to hear that your child(ren) are getting into the routine of the CSL day and are enjoying seeing the videos that their teachers are sending them.
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I will send out one more CSL survey next week to gain further feedback from the community before we stop for the school holiday break at the end of Friday 3rd April. We will then return to CSL on Monday 20th April. Thank you to all of you who gave your precious time to complete this survey, it has certainly given us lots to think about for future CSL planning.
Bangkok Patana School News
27/03/2020
Student-run Book Sale Raises Funds for Scholarships
Blanche Boucher, 13S ne of our biggest events of the year for fund raising was the Book Drive and Sale. For two weeks after the February half-term break, my sister and I asked members of the Bangkok Patana community (both Primary and Secondary) to bring in second-hand books, and we are so grateful at the amazing response we got! Then, we set-up a stall outside the Primary Library every morning and afternoon for students and parents to buy. With the book sale and a recent bake sale, Clara and I raised a combined THB20,000, which brings us so much closer to our final goal of THB80,000.
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We are raising funds to help cover the scholarships of two students attending local schools in Northern Thailand.. The organisation Learning Compass provides part of the scholarships for Mol and Piyawit, two students at local schools in Northern Thailand, while myself and my sister Clara raise funds to cover the rest. Piyawit, who is 17, hopes to continue on to university while Mol, age 15, has a 3.94 GPA.
Reading@home! THE LIBRARY HAS SOME GREAT RESOURCES FOR YOU HERE
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ECA Stretches Science Learners in Year 8 Sean Rowley, Chemistry Teacher he Science and Stretch ECA is offered to all of the Year 8 Hi-CAL (High Cognitive Ability) and Hi-AL (High Attainers) Learners and shows how Science is challenging the most able students.
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During the ECA, students used microscopes to discover about a weird and wonderful ecosystem which is invisible to the naked eye. They were tasked with finding the Tardigrade, an unusual creature which can survive extreme temperatures and has lived through all of our planet’s big five extinction events and can even endure space for 10 days. As students searched for this incredible animal, they discovered much more than expected! REFLECTION BY CODY FINNEGAN Last week we looked at algae under a powerful microscope. We looked for interesting things like tiny animals or large plant cells. I loved looking for tiny mites and tardigrades, and everyone saw some, even if they didn’t find one themselves. We saw water mites and I think it was interesting that the mites could live and breathe underwater even though they were insects. I later found out this was because of tiny hairs creating a bubble of air around them, which they used to release carbon dioxide and intake oxygen! How did we conduct the experiment? Mr. Rowley collected some water and algae from the outdoor classroom for us to use. We took small samples and put them on a tiny glass slide. We then placed the slides on the microscope and observed.
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What is Elephant Toothpaste? Minato Yamasaki, 7H The school’s largest-ever Elephant Toothpaste! How exciting! It may seem like just an explosion to your eye, however, deep down in the solution, with a scientific eye, you will find more than just pilling soapy foam. To begin, we will explain what elephant toothpaste is. The phrase ‘elephant toothpaste’ is only a metaphor to describe the toothpaste-like result that is scaled up, making it look like toothpaste for elephants! It also refers to the foam oozing out of the flask or bottle looking like toothpaste being squeezed out of its tube. So how does this work? Our main ingredient is the Hydrogen peroxide, which is the main reactant that decomposes to form water and oxygen gas. Another important ingredient is the potassium iodide, which is the catalyst. It simply speeds up the reaction as it would otherwise take a long time to happen. The reaction naturally occurs when Hydrogen Peroxide is exposed to UV or sunlight. To capture the oxygen bubbles, we use soap or dishwashing liquid. The oxygen gas forms because hydrogen hydroxide as hydrogen peroxide decomposes and becomes trapped in the soap. When mixed with another reactant like potassium iodide or Yeast, the chemical will undergo a chemical reaction to break down into two parts, oxygen and water. The reaction is ‘exothermic’ meaning it gives off heat, and we felt this heat given off when we were standing next to it. We are proud to have hold the record of the largest elephant toothpaste ever in the school, however you can set your own records at home! You can buy hydrogen peroxide at your nearest pharmacy, and yeast and create your own, especially during the quarantine period! Have fun and keep safe! Note: Please make sure you are a supervised by a responsible adult before attempting this activity at home. You and the adult need to review the Health and Safety guidance provided here beforehand and follow the control measures to reduce risk.
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UNI COUNSELORS’ CORNER
UNI OFFERS...
Charlotte Masson, Year 13 Congratulations on offers from
• Chapman University • Loyola Marymount University • Savannah College of Art and Design
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hroughout my 13 years at Bangkok Patana, I have tried to integrate film into every aspect of my creative learning. I received my Chapman Early Decision acceptance offer and scholarship in December, around the same time as I was accepted to Loyola Marymount University and Savannah College of Art and Design. I was so excited to find out that all the long hours spent writing scripts, essays, and building my cinematic portfolio - alongside my usual IB work - paid off; it was a huge relief to know that I would finally be heading to California, attending one of the top film schools and taking the first step toward a career in the entertainment industry.
one of the few colleges that allows you the right to own any work you produce during your time there. In fact, the Duffer Brothers actually wrote and developed ‘Stranger Things’ during their senior year at Dodge and often visit to talk to students about their experience.
When I join the class of Chapman 2024 in the fall, I aim to bring stories from inception through to their final episodes. Only one school offers a cohesive program that marries scriptwriting and production: Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman. With unique majors, As well as their state-of-the-art facilities, incredible in- like Television Writing and Production, I’ll master the industry connections, and unbelievable internship oppor- terplay between these disciplines and develop in-depth tunities, Chapman has a vast network of notable alumni storylines that capture the heart, drive conversation, and and professors that work within the film industry. It is also inspire change.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT...
University College Cork, Ireland
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ocated in the city of Cork, Ireland’s second largest city, University College Cork is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland. Founded in 1845 as one of three Queen’s Colleges, UCC was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times five times. The school has over 21,000 students, 3,400 of which come from over 104 countries. UCC offers degrees in the Physical, Life and Computer Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, Psychology, Law, Education, Engineering and Technology, Medicine and Dentistry. They are home to the Irish Institute of Chinese studies and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Digital Humanities. The UCC School of Medicine is affiliated with the University College Cork Teaching Hospital, the largest medical centre in Ireland. Cork is located on the River Lee and is a popular tourist destination, known for the famed Blarney Castle and the legendary Blarney Stone, which grants the gift of the gab to those who kiss it.
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Keeping You Up to Date in Careers and Universities Kevin Keller, Head of Careers and Universities Faculty
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hat a roller-coaster ride the last few weeks have been. I hope all of your families are safe and healthy, wherever they may be in the world. Students around the world have received news that important exams have been cancelled, leading to questions about what it will mean for their future. The Careers and Universities Faculty at Bangkok Patana School is committed to providing the most accurate information and strong support to each of our students, no matter where they are in the process of planning for life after school.
In the meantime, students can virtually engage with universities on their websites and on official social media channels. We have created a new page on Firefly, compiling any virtual information sessions or campus tours that have been sent. You can access the page here. We will be updating it regularly. Do keep in mind that many universities not included on this page will still have virtual services, so please do visit their websites directly! While understanding that personal and academic well-being should be at the forefront, students who find that they will have a little more time than expected during the upcoming The exam cancellations came not only as a shock to holiday could use it to read about their subject of interest, high schools but also to universities. They will need time challenge their critical thinking abilities and research proto examine the situation and create an official policy that spective universities. they will share with students and counsellors. Our team will be watching various channels of information very closely Support is crucial in times like these and while we know and we will be compiling all of the necessary information that our students already have a strong team of famito be shared with students and their families. Please do ly members and teachers behind them, the Careers and your best to exhibit patience in this unprecedented time as Universities Faculty will continue to offer as much as we universities navigate uncharted territory. What we can be can virtually to ensure our students are prepared for life certain of is that universities globally will carefully ensure beyond Bangkok Patana. equity and fairness in all future decisions.
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Bangkok Patana School News
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Making the Most of Your Coronavirus Sabbatical Matthew Conroy, Secondary Social and Emotional Counsellor
MAKING THE MOST OF AN OPPORTUNITY ike many of you I have been stuck at home for the last week and with limited exercise and social options I have been pondering ideas to best fill my time. Here are some ideas to make the most of the situation.
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SET GOALS What would you like to do? This could range from tidying out your bedside drawer to writing your first novel. I would suggest writing out a list of the things you would like to do and then filter that down to about five achievable targets. I am prioritising meditation, reading and jogging. HAVE A SCHEDULE We are creatures of habit in terms of what we eat and when we work, right now many of those habits have been broken. If you are working from home try to be up and showered at your usual time – Don’t stay in bed or work in your pyjamas. Most people get more things done when they set themselves a timetable with breaks every 45 minutes. You have an opportunity to create new habits and a new routine. GET SOCIAL It might seem counterintuitive in the face of a social isolation but staying in contact with others is key. FaceTime, Skype and other social platforms are amazing and not just for work – They should be actively used with family and friends and also as a tool to keep your children communicating with peers. Only yesterday I was involved in a group exercise boot camp run remotely by a teacher from Patana Community. GET MOVING On that very topic whilst we may have been deprived of gyms and swimming opportunities there are plenty of other options for exercise in the home. Scour YouTube videos for exercise tips or yoga classes. Bring out a skipping rope or run up and down your stairs. There is a huge amount of evidence that shows fitness boosts mental health and even more importantly at this time boost your immune system
MISSING YOUR ECAs?
Cindy Adair, Cross Campus Assistant Principal, Sports and Extra-curricular Activities
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hile we are all doing our part by staying at home, it’s important to make time to have fun and relax after a long day of learning. Did you know we are posting ideas on a School Closure ECA blog? Subscribe today to have two fun ideas for the family to try drop into your inbox each weekday morning. The activities range from Karaoke to Fitness, Cooking to Recycling. Get involved and then share your pics on Social Media using the hashtag #bpsecasmustgoon.
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Bangkok Patana School News
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#149: Continuing Student Learning 2.0 Y
esterday saw the start of the second week of our full-time Continuing Student Learning programme. It feels like a month - no doubt the same for parents and carers at home, struggling to balance work-life and learning. Our household is the same. For the first few days my wife and I were at work and learning for our three boys was challenging. With current restrictions in place we are now working from home, settling into a more stable routine, as I hope you are too. When you flip the entire school upside down, turning homes into virtual classrooms, it is inevitable that some things will fall. As a school we learnt a lot about the capabilities of our systems. We continue to have frustrations with self-registering systems of our Secondary students and the numbers of concurrent users accessing our parent portal. But we are learning. Learning from our mistakes. Learning is an organic, complex, curious process. We all make mistakes, in fact, I would go as far to say that we are in the business of making mistakes, learning from them, adapting, iterating, improving. Learning how to get into contact with other and check-in with our students and each other. Learning that it is the connections between each other, the social fabric of the school, that is the most important to keep intact. At the core of everything we do is well-being. During these stressful, changing, challenging times, it is the mental health of ourselves, colleagues and our family that needs nurturing. The longer this period of uncertainty continues, the more important this aspect will become. My mindset has changed over the past two weeks: it is not school closure, it’s “Campus is closed to students” – school is open, learning is happening. One of the platforms we are using to support learning and well-being is Microsoft Teams. Many students have been self-organising and connecting with each other via the platform organically. However, as we begin to use of the platform more, there will be the inevitable increase in screen time and digital distraction, what we refer to as digital ‘noise’. Multi-tasking is a myth. We simply cannot focus on many things at the same time. We may think we can, but the depth of concentration on one task is shallow when other things are going on at the same time. Constant task switching increases cognitive load, our brain tires more quickly. To reduce the digital noise in our lives we need to switch off notifications when we are learning. Please watch the video on how to reduce the distractions in Microsoft Teams – it will help. It has been said that the health of a community can be measured by the way in which it cares for its weakest and most vulnerable. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for what you are doing to bring, in this most vulnerable of times, gentleness, hope, caring, support and direction to one another and our learning community. Stay safe. Brian Taylor Assistant Principal, Campus Curriculum Technology Integration
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Feeding Young Minds Cindy Adair, Cross Campus Assistant Principal, Sports and Extra-curricular Activities
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chool closures are challenging for a number of reasons. Your routine gets turned upside down and this includes when you eat and what you eat. Having access to the fridge 24/7 can wreak havoc on your families diet. Some top tips: 1. Young children in the Foundation Stage do best grazing on a number of smaller meals throughout the day. Think small portions of chopped fruit, vege sticks, rice crackers, cheese, yoghurt cups or dried fruit. 2. Milk is great for growing bodies, that is why we offer a milk to every student at school daily, so encourage your child to continue with their milk intake during the closure. 3. Water is the best drink for young learners, just like at school they should have a water bottle of fresh, cool water with them at their “home office” desk. 4. Try to stick to your regular routine as much as possible. It’s tempting to have cereal for dinner or sleep in and skip breakfast altogether. 5. On weekdays try to honour the regular school meal breaks and couple this with time to move and blow off steam – just like at school. 6. Get everyone involved in cooking. What better time to master some important life skills like being able to boil an egg, cook a simply pasta dish or prepare a healthy salad? 7. Get your bake on and prepare some healthy treats the whole family can share. Banana Bread and Coconut Water and Berry Icy Poles are a favourite at my house.
Solution for last week here
Submit your solution here
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Desert Island Discs With Peter Taylder Primary Senior Teacher
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his column follows in the style of the famed BBC podcast which features a celebrity every week – here we feature our own Bangkok Patana celebrities! What eight songs, one luxury item and one book would you take with you if you were stuck on a desert island? Today Peter Taylder Primary Senior Teacher is stuck on a desert island. MR TAYLDER IF YOU WERE STUCK ON A DESERT ISLAND WHAT EIGHT PIECES OF MUSIC WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU? Quicksand - Osaka Monaurail I Feel Love - Donna Summer Can You Feel It - Michael Jackson Sunset - Nitin Sawney Higher and Higher - Jackie Wilson I Believe in Miracles - The Jacksons Sisters
Listen to Mr Taylder’s list here
Unfinished Sympathy - Massive Attack Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence - Ryuichi Sakamoto PICK ONE LUXURY ITEM YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU. THIS ITEM MUST BE INANIMATE AND OF NO USE IN ESCAPING THE ISLAND OR ALLOWING COMMUNICATION FROM OUTSIDE. A sound system WHICH ONE BOOK WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU? Cosmos – Carl Sagan Catch the real Desert Island Discs on BBC. Now that you are stuck at home, what are you listening to? Have a list of your own? Let us know! Contact SHKN with your favourites.
THE 2019/20 CALENDAR IS STILL IN EFFECT We will follow the current school calendar. School will break from 6th - 17th April. Continuing Student Learning will restart on Monday 20th April unless we hear differently from the government. 27/03/2020
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Bangkok Patana School News
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