Patana News Volume 24 Issue 11

www.patana.ac.th

PATANA NEWS

Friday 5th November 2021

Time to Play!

Mr Mills’ First Blog of the eYar

By Primary Senior Teacher Page 2 Nicola Crompton

Also in this issue...

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International Day Selfies Karting Success Continues Year 3 Pianist Wins Silver 10 Steps to Make Friends

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Bangkok Patana is a not-for-profit IB World School accredited by CIS

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Time to Play!

Nicola Crompton, Primary Senior Teacher – Leader Student Support Services

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s we return to on-campus learning, our focus is in ensuring high levels of well-being within our school community. One of our priorities is the provision of time for students to get together, to talk, collaborate and strengthen the relationships with peers and teachers that have largely been played out online over the past six months. Students worldwide have reported the lack of quality time spent with friends as one of the aspects of in person schooling they have missed most while learning online. Despite the wonders of modern technology and our ability to interact virtually, for many, nothing can replace in-person, real time interaction.

It has been wonderful to observe students connecting with old and new friends at break and lunchtimes, and in seeing how much they benefit from each other’s company.

One of the ways they do this is, of course, through play.

THE BENEFITS OF PLAY The benefits of play are well known within the early years where all learning is constructed through play based interactions. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, physical and mental dexterity, and emotional capacities. Play is important in promoting healthy brain development and it is through play that children at a very early age interact with the world around them.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLAY Self-directed play, i.e. play that a child is free to choose and direct, may include toys or role play. Recent research carried out on the impact of play showed that playing with dolls activates a region of the brain responsible for the development of empathy, that is recognising and sharing in the feelings of another. Play can therefore be used as a vehicle for the rehearsal of social interactions and in the development of empathy, an important skill needed in all aspects of life.

PLAYING IS LEARNING The benefits of play aren’t only limited to younger children; playful interactions, categorised by having autonomy over how you solve a problem or learn, use of the imagination and making learning iterative, i.e. returned to more than once, have been shown to support learning in adolescents (Conklin, 2014). Taking the time to play around with thoughts and ideas, as well showing curiosity, are all examples of how adolescents and adults can be

In recent years however, a growing number of mental health professionals have observed that play is as important to human happiness and well-being as love and work (Schaefer, 1993) and our thinking is ever shifting to consider the needs of older students.

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skills. Our Cross Campus speech and language therapist plays a variety of games in her sessions where they are particularly supportive for students experiencing difficulties with attending to adult-led tasks. The inherent characteristic of play being something fun that helps to maintain high levPLAY AS THERAPY els of engagement and motivation, as well as supporting There is also substantial research that shows the bene- children’s social and emotional needs. This ensures newly fits of play when used therapeutically. Our Primary Coun- learned skills are maintained and allows the child to then sellors make use of play in their sessions to support stu- integrate these new skills into their everyday activities. dents exploring their thoughts and feelings and two of our If you are interested in learning more about play and its Learning Support teachers are working towards their play associated benefits for children and adults you may find therapy accreditation. Although play therapy is especially appropriate for children ages 3 through 12 years old these resources useful: (Carmichael, 2006; Gil, 1991; Landreth, 2002; Schaefer, Parents Can Learn Play 1993), teenagers and adults have also benefited from The Land of Make Believe play techniques. As a result, the use of play therapy with adults within mental health contexts is increasing.

Teenagers Learning Through Play playful. Playful interactions provide opportunities for students to develop the 21st century skills of creativity, collaboration and communication, skills required for success in future places of study and work.

In terms of speech and language development, play can be a great way for children to develop their receptive language, that is their ability to listen and understand what is being said, spoken, expressive language and social 05/11/2021

Why Adults Need Recess Too

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Helping Children Navigate Friendships and Develop Resilience Carol Battram, Primary Assistant Principal Learning and Welfare

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lease access the recorded presentation using this link.

During this presentation, I will share how we identify and respond to certain behaviours in Primary.

You may find this presentation useful when thinking about: • Different ways to think about your child’s friendships and fallings out • Ways to help your child respond to friendship fires and mean-on-purpose behaviours • How to help your child build emotional resilience • The difference between thoughtless, mean, and bullying behaviours.

• How to balance the urge to protect, alongside the need to build resilience • How to evaluate healthy and unhealthy friendships • Framing positive and supportive conversations versus digging for pain • Who to contact if the size of the problem requires help from school

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Karting Racers in Rok Cup Thailand Maarten Vliegen, Patana parent

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arting racers have the option of taking part in racAlthough not a walk in the park for Year 8 student Taiyo es organised by engine manufacturers in addition Vliegen, he lived up to expectations and finished in first to the National championships. One 24th October, three position of the Mini Rok class. students from Bangkok Patana took part in the Rok Cup Year 8 student Sra (JJ) Anuras, struggled with mechanThailand Championship by Italian engine manufacturer ical issues and started the heats in position 17. He kept Vortex. focused and worked his way up to the 11th position in the final.

ROK CUP THAILAND ROUND 2 RACE REPORT In the Senior Rok class, Year 10 student Nandhavud Another great weekend for Bangkok Patana students (Jem) Bhirombhakdi was supreme by winning the race with both Jem and Taiyo currently leading the champiagainst more experienced senior racers, making this his onship. The next and final Rok Cup race will be on 21st second consecutive win for Rok Cup Thailand rounds November, so be sure and cheer them on!

1&2.

Well done boys!

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Year 3 Student Wins Silver Medal in International Piano Competition

Vicky Paxman, Year 3 teacher

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ongratulations to Archakin (Mace) Thiankham, who is new to Bangkok Patana and Year 3, for winning a silver medal in piano in The Bangkok International Performing Arts Competition.

Mace’s performance is particularly impressive as he was competing up an age category. We are looking forward to seeing Mace’s further musical successes throughout his time at Bangkok Patana.

Road Safety and Courtesy at School STUDENTS • Use the crosswalk when crossing roads on campus – do not play while crossing.

• Please enter the school gate using the two left lanes, if you must enter from a far lane please use your indicator.

• Students must use the footbridge when crossing the road as it is the only safe option.

• Please follow the speed limit of 20 km/hr in all areas.

• All Primary students are currently being taken to the bus park or passed over to the care of a parent or trusted adult.

• Turn off your engine when parking on campus.

• Students from Year 9 and below must not exit the turnstiles unless being collected by parents/drivers or are on the school shuttle bus.

• Always give way to pedestrians.

• Only students in Year 10 and above are permitted to take a taxi without a parent or guardian.

• We strongly urge students not to take a motorbike taxi as we believe they are not a safe form of transport.

• Please make sure to spend only 30 seconds for the drop off in the morning.

• Please do not honk your horn or drive aggressively and be cautious when reversing.

• Always follow the direction of the security team controlling traffic.

• Please do not park on the side of the road near the school or in the PTT station.

• Please use the car park on LaSalle Soi 35 to wait for your child(ren). Enter on Soi 35 and exit on Soi 37. Please contact Reception if you do not have a parking sticker.

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CAT/CAS CORNER

Year 4 Help Make Dreams Come True Tracey Barton, Year 4 teacher

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ear 4 are delighted to continue support to The Lutheran Christian Foundation children in Ban Saphan in Nan province; this neighbourhood-based team also helps serve Home of Grace in Samut Prakan supporting women's refuge and childcare services in Bangkok. Year 4 are proud to have supported this charity for many years, particularly around Christmas time.

pencils, notebooks and teddy bears to fill the shoeboxes.

Students will wrap the boxes and attach a note to each box. The boxes will then be collected and distributed to children from the Lua hill tribe villages in Ban Saphan. The Christmas Shoebox is often the only present the children receive and therefore Year 4 are grateful for all the kind donations and support given by the parents and students.

We liaise with Anne Storstein Haug to determine how We look forward to collecting, wrapping and donating we can best support the charity. The Student Council has again this December. organised and overseen the Year 4 students' design and I will leave you with a quote from Anne. make Christmas Boxes for the past two years and again this year. The students create Christmas wrapping paper “For most of them this was the only Christmas present using recycled paper and fill shoeboxes with a variety of they received, and the gifts were highly appreciated. needed items shared by the charity.

Thank you very much” The Year 4 students bring in toiletries, toys, colouring

BEFORE YOU PLAN YOUR HOLIDAYS - CHECK THE CALENDAR!

2021/22 CALENDAR

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Rescued Glass Partners With the Local Community Aryaman Gupta, 12S

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nitially a service project for CAS, Rescued Glass has grown beyond school borders and is now a social enterprise present across the globe. Rescued Glass focuses on addressing glass-specific waste mitigation through the upcycling and recycling of glassware into multi-purpose home decor items. Glass disposal is an overlooked problem by general society, with over 28 billion glass bottles ending up in landfills every year, a figure exacerbated by the fact that glass can take up to 4,000 years to decompose.

communities in Khlong Toei. Likewise, Green Samurai also provides packaging but does it through upcycling denim fibres. We also partner with other local businesses such as the restaurant Cholos and Sing Sing Theatre to try and incorporate an element of sustainability into their business models as well.

Rescued Glass’ business model revolves around the idea of positive social impact: through scrutinizing every aspect of the business, Rescued Glass now operates with the sole idea of sustainability in mind, trying to benefit Rescued Glass addresses the UN Sustainable Devel- everyone who is involved in the process. Rescued Glass opment Goals (SDG) number 10 (Reduced Inequalities), distributes products to the PTG TigerShop which sells the 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 items and profits donated to a local charity.

(Climate Action). By providing an alternative and more Rescued Glass provides a distinct opportunity for stusustainable pathway for used glassware, Rescued Glass is an enterprise committed to making the world a better dents as it allows us to be involved in a business enviplace. In addition to this, Rescued Glass works in tandem ronment from a young age, fine-tuning our marketing, with social enterprises in the local community, partnering strategy or financial skills. Outside of niche business skills, with Second Chance Bangkok and Green Samurai. Rescued Glass can also greatly benefit soft skills, as I have Second Chance works with Rescued Glass by provid- found out in my short time leading the club so far. It is this ing the packaging made from second hand clothing for quality that makes Rescued Glass a great option for those our products. Second Chance seeks to combat the rise who want to pursue studies related to business or those of fast fashion by employing women in underprivileged who want a truly unique activity in their CV. If you want to enquire further, feel free to contact me on Teams.

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CAT/CAS CORNER

Can Cryptocurrency One Day Replace Fiat Currency?

Arnav Baliga, 12D ryptocurrency is fast gaining traction in the financial world. From El Salvador accepting Bitcoin as legal tender, to NVIDIA targeting $US150 million in profits through Ethereum mining, cryptocurrencies have taken the economic world by storm. Here we review the positives and negatives of crypto taking over regular fiat currency (government issued currency not backed by a commodity such as gold).

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are extremely volatile. A hundred dollars invested at the right time could turn into a small fortune in a week. However, the opposite is also true, and a large amount of funds could become worthless overnight.

The fact that crypto is not backed by a government or central bank means that the value is decided purely on a supply and demand basis. This means that crypto with smaller market caps are vulnerable to pump-and-dump schemes (a manipulative scheme that attempts to boost the price of a stock or security through fake recommendations). This is compounded by the fact that crypto currently does not fall under the SEC’s (Securities and Exchange Commission’s) purview.

A major advantage is that crypto transfer is very straightforward, allowing virtually any amount of funds to be transferred with the click of a button. The blockchain nature of cryptocurrencies means that it is impossible for hackers to take hold of funds and stops people from spending coins they don't own. Additionally, blockchain technology Overall, governments are not eager to implement this doesn’t require intermediaries, such as banks, reducing form of currency over fiat currency. For now, it seems as transfer costs to effectively zero. though El Salvador is the exeption, not the rule.

However, the nature of cryptocurrencies means that they

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Call for Submissions to CORE Magazine CORE ’24 team PARENTS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS trek back to normality, the strange new transitional period lose your spreadsheets and change into your cre- we find ourselves in is one that bears such different effects on people that it seemed fitting for us to open submissions ative clothes! to not only students, but parents and teachers as well, so We are proud to present you, for the very first time in we could all share our perspectives and feelings together.

Bangkok Patana’s history, the opportunity to demonstrate Of course, whatever you choose to submit does not your creative flair alongside your own children and stuhave to revolve around the pandemic. Some ideas to dents in this year’s CORE Magazine! get you started on our theme of liminality could be yours If you have a passion for writing, art, photography - or (or your child’s) shift from childhood to maturity; discovcreative expression of any kind - this is the sole chance for ering something about yourself; coming to terms with a you to get your work published and distributed school- significant change in your life; transitioning from primary wide in our community’s only state-of-the-art magazine. to secondary (or other means of advancing in education).

You will be able to submit any sort of creative media re- The purpose of submitting is to allow our community as a volving around our chosen theme of liminality. whole to explore and share our experiences and emotions together, much like how we have navigated through Liminality (n.) this pandemic together.

The state of transition from one stage to the next.

Submissions are open from now until the 17th of DecemWe are all living in unpredictable times: we have been ber. And don’t worry - they can be anonymous! thrown into a whirlwind of uncertainty, forcing us to naviPlease direct all submissions or inquiries to coremagagate and adapt to different routines and lifestyles, whether that be working from home, CSL or being stuck some- zine@patana.ac.th. place with no indication of leaving. As we embark on our We hope to see your incredible work soon!

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WHAT’S NEW IN THE LIBRARIES

Early Years’ Library Primary Library Secondary Library Professional Learning

Fiction Non-Fiction

Fiction Non-Fiction Chapter Book and Oversized Books

Fiction Senior Fiction Home Languages Non-Fiction

Professional Learning

Scan here to learn how to access books via eSora

All Library and magazine subscriptions listed here

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STUDENTS SPEAK

10 Simple Steps to Make Friends!

Hui Ying (Ying Ying) Han, 5G

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ave you ever felt alone and felt the need to make over that, it will make things tricky and harder to confess friends? Here are some simple, and effective steps later. If they are true friends, they will like you for who you are! to become friends with someone!

1. FIND A GOOD LOCATION AND TIME In the wrong space and time, it can make things harder!

Example if you were in class, you could get told off by the teacher! If you were somewhere too loud you wouldn’t really be able to hear each other! Find a space where there are not many people, but not too little people either!

You wouldn’t want everybody to hear your conversation!

6. EASE UP Relax and treat them like a normal person, or maybe even a friend! If you seem desperate, there’s a higher chance of them thinking you’re a needy, clingy person.

7. ASK THE BIG QUESTION If they still seem interested, now is a great time to ask them if they would like to be friends! By now, you should 2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PERSON have a strong foundation with them and they should know If they just don’t seem interested, there’s no point in talk- who you really are! If they say no, that’s fine, you can try ing to them! They will just ignore you and try to find an with a different person! excuse to go away. Find a person who you think is kind, 8. TELL THEM SOME SECRETS will listen to you and will make a good friend!

When you tell them secrets, to them it can be exciting 3. START A CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE and proof that you trust them! After all, good friends tell People won’t have the correct impression of you all the each other secrets! time! They usually won’t come and ask you about yourself too, so you have to speak up for yourself! Be ready to talk 9. ACT LIKE A FRIEND If you want to keep up the good friendship with your about your hobbies, school or interests to get the convernew friend, you have to act like one! Listen to them, stand sation going. up for them and most importantly be there for them.

4. LET THEM SPEAK AS WELL Never steal the spotlight and keep talking and talking. 10. REPEAT! If your conversation was successful, you can continue They will think you’re annoying and aren't a good listener.

Take it like a normal conversation, you wouldn’t be speak- making friends! If your conversation fails, you can try a different time! Keep doing this whenever you find a person ing the whole time, right? you might like to be friends with! You may end up with a 5. BE HONEST ABOUT YOURSELF bunch of friends!

The worst thing is to lie about yourself and make yourself I really hope these steps helped you make friends! seem popular and cool! If they become friends with you

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DaZe Brings K-Pop to Bangkok Patana Vallary Lokre, Head Dance Coach

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he dance culture around K-pop was just always in the background, with multiple groups of dancers coming into the Dance Academy during their free time to practice their K-pop dances. Our K-pop classes at the Dance Academy see the highest turnout yet, up until recently, I saw it as just a popular ECA.

a dance community that wants to restore the pre-COVID spirit and send out positive messages to people across cultures and influence others to do the same.

Fav artist: Ateez, Blackpink; Fav song : Answer by Ateez

WHAT IS K-POP? - SHIHYUN K-pop is a genre of music originating in South Korea as During CSL I went through my ‘K-pop awakening’. I popped a question into the Dance Academy channel on part of South Korean culture; it is influenced by styles and Microsoft Teams about K-pop and learned a lot. Thanks genres from around the world such as pop, experimento my students who helped to educate me, I now have a tal, rock, jazz, gospel, hip hop, R&B, reggae, electronic dance, folk, country, and classical on top of its traditional whole new world of great dancing to explore.

Korean music roots.

We have recently appointed a student-led committee In Korea, the word ‘hanlyu’ means Korean Wave, the for K-pop events: Yerin Kang as President, Shihyun Lee as Vice President and Yeonsu, Maproud, Demi, Gina, Seal rapid increase in global popularity of South Korean culture from the mid-1990s to mid-2000s. First driven by the and Claire as student leaders. spread of K-dramas and K-pop across East, Southeast “Our dance community, DaZe, was set up to utilise and South Asia in early stages, the Korean Wave evolved the passion and talent for K-pop across the Bangkok from a regional to a global phenomenon, carried by the Patana community by contributing to the spreading of internet and social media and the proliferation of K-pop positive messages, creating performances, inspiring music videos on YouTube. K-pop started when a man more people to dance and creating an international re- named ‘Sooman Lee’, now the head of SM entertainspect for all cultures- not just Korea.” Yerin Kang ment, created a three member boy-group called ‘Seo Taiji and the Boys’. After their success, entertainment agenWHAT IS OUR VISION? - YERIN cies began recruiting more young performers for intensive DaZe (Dance Zeal) represents our passion for dance idol training to fill the demand for new talent. This began and the tight knit community of K-pop fans. DaZe is also when HOT started in the 90s, from that, K-pop gradually short for daisy, which has connotations of hope, new begin- grew with the debuts of BigBang and Psy, followed by nings and love; we are embodying this through our dance, BTS and BLACKPINK. The term ‘K-pop’ became popular as many of us discovered a in the 2000s, before that South Korean pop music was new side of us when we first called gayo. In 2020, K-pop had a record-breaking year found K-pop. An additional with 44.8 percent growth and positioned itself as the fastmeaning relates to our aim, est-growing market of the year. we are inspired to dance by our favourite idols and Fav artist : BTS, BLACKPINK, Super Junior, EXO; Fav song: also want to inspire others, Epiphany - BTS Jin, Young Forever - BTS, We are Bullet'stunning' our audiences Proof the Eternal - BTS, 2Ya2YaO - Super Junior with our shocking synergy WHAT DO WE PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH? - DEMI and style. Overall, we are We aim to introduce K-pop to the Bangkok Patana

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community and break down the stereotypes surrounding K-pop. We want to change the stigma around K-pop and share the benefits it can provide, (not caring about what others think of ourselves, perseverance, and so much more). We plan to have many events and ways to introduce K-pop to our school community. Some coming events include a K-pop MV dance competition, social media dance challenge, YouTube channel and busking performances for donations. Please follow the Dance Academy’s Instagram for updates on all our events, join the Teams page, or subscribe to our monthly digest by joining DaZe!!

Fav artist : Taemin; Fav song: Criminal by Taemin ONE THING YOU WANT TO CHANGE ABOUT K-POP? -MAPROUD I think that the K-pop industry beauty standards are very toxic. If someone doesn’t fit the skinny, pale and slim face requirements, they might not make it big or even worse, a trainee won’t get to debut. This is unfortunate because there are so many talented artists out there but they don’t fit the industry standards. Shouldn’t talent be the deciding factor of success? Recently it seems that the industry is more accepting of idols who don’t fit the typical beauty standards and we are getting to see more diversity in body size, face shape, skin colour. There are several idols who are changing the standards in the industry but the ones that stand out to me are Jessi and Hwasa because they don’t fit the normal stereotypes of female K-pop idols. They have their own unique style; this is inspiring as they are changing the industry from the inside. Our message is that we embrace the dancing but we reject these beauty standards entirely.

K-pop isn't just “normal” music, essentially it is a form of escapism from the compounding stress of everyday life.

Just a few minutes of watching or listening to their music can summon plentiful energy to propel us forward in life.

Furthermore, K-pop has created a community for fans to get together and share their interest unbound by the physical barriers of different countries. They can connect with each other through their love for K-pop and appreciation of South Korean culture and those who produce music for us to enjoy in our everyday lives. Especially with the pandemic restricting our ability to socialise face to face, K-pop provides an online platform where people can communicate and feel a sense of belonging and at the same time strengthen international relationships with K-pop through its culture and music.

Fav artist : ENHYPEN; Fav song: We don’t talk together by HEIZE, GIRIBOY

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DANCING AND LEARNING K-POP CHOREOGRAPHY? - GINA When the word ‘K-pop’ comes to mind it may seem to be an unknown territory with images of ‘perfection’ that hinder us from approaching it. Nevertheless, there are countless reasons why you should try K-pop dancing. Have you ever just had the urge to bust a move and dance? K-pop is not just that, but more. K-pop dancing is about the experience of learning completely new skills and overcoming challenges that may arise. Not only is K-pop dancing immensely enjoyable but it will also strengthen your physical and mental health. How? Learning and practising K-pop choreographies will improve and develop your skills on memorising moves and help you focus on developing new skills by overcoming challenges. Development and Fav artist: NCT, BLACKPINK, Fav song : Kick it by NCT127 self-improvement is key to our daily lives, so grab your HOW DOES K-POP KEEP US POSITIVE? - YEONSU peers, friends and family. It’s time to groove!

K-pop has been helping us and entertaining us throughFav artist: ENHYPEN, Day6, Ateez; Fav song: Time of out the lockdowns. If we listen to K-pop when we get de- our life by Day6/Out of the blue by DOWOON, Song pressed or tired, its message and unique melody encour- Heejin ages us to get our motivation back. Sometimes it contains the message of love and sometimes our life. Whatever the HOW/WHO CAN MEMBERS JOIN OUR TEAM? subject is, it is definitely healing. The performances are an- SEAL other major factor for its fame and popularity. They bring Anyone can join our team even if you aren’t a dancer! us energy and motivation and link us all together despite As long as you have an interest in K-pop, you are more this pandemic situation. Through its unique positive energy, than welcome to join DaZe and be added to our Microit keeps us positive throughout this hardship, letting us enjoy soft Teams through a link after confirming with either Miss pure happiness and excitement.

Vallary or one of the board members. You can ask us directly or email us to ask to join! -Seal Fav artist: Twice, G-idle; Fav song: Winter bear- V HOW DOES K-POP AFFECT OUR EVERYDAY LIVES?- CLAIRE

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Fav artist: NCT, BLACKPINK, STAYC; Fav song: GLASSY

by JO YURI

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#199: What Parents Need to Know About Snapchat Almost two thirds (63 percent, to be exact) of Snapchat users check the app at least once every day, while almost half (49 percent) log in more than once – with an average stay on the app of around 30 minutes. Such repetition hints at compulsive behaviour, but this isn’t the only online safety risk associated with the popular image and video sharing platform.

Snapchat has previously faced criticism over the many ‘beautifying’ filters and effects which have been linked to self-esteem and body-image issues, while the fact that messages can be set to automatically delete is seen in some quarters as facilitating sexting.

Click on the image to find out more.

Have a great weekend.

Brian Taylor Assistant Principal, Campus Curriculum Technology Integration

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Desert Island Discs

With Charlie McLean, Primary Lead Music 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 our Primary Lead Teacher in Music, Charlie McLean, is stuck on a desert island.

MR MCLEAN, IF YOU WERE STUCK ON A DESERT ISLAND WHAT EIGHT PIECES OF MUSIC WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU? Lingus - Snarky Puppy

Where is My Mind? – Pixies

Fishies - The Cat Empire

Piano Concerto in G Major 2nd movement - Ravel

Blackbird - The Beatles

5th Symphony 4th movement - Shostakovich

Redemption Song - Bob Marley

Ballade number 1 in G minor - Chopin Click to listen to Mr McLean’s playlist

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 piano WHICH ONE BOOK WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU? Complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas 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.

Looking for something to do for the Christmas Holidays?

Check out the Community Offers on Firefly

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Wildlife Spotting with Coke Tis ‘Winter’ and the Migration is ON! Alexander Coke Smith IV, Curriculum Leader Environmental Systems and Societies

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grew up in the temperate northern latitudes of our lovely planet. In my home continent, North America, I was accustomed to four seasons with now the beginning of the “Big Freeze”, as we called it. The leaves would be changing colours and the temperatures would be dipping ever downward. Living creatures that could leave of their own free will would begin their departure from the freezing temperatures and dreary days. And before one knew it, the landscape would appear nearly lifeless with the creatures either gone for the winter, hibernating or simply hunkering down most of the day trying to stay warm and keep from starving.

However, life in the subtropics is dramatically different. Now is the season things really begin to show amazing amounts of biodiversity. Now is the season we see literally millions of birds that have made their perilous migration from the cold northern latitudes down to their winter homes, which of course include Thailand - the perfect place to spend the winter!

Bangkok is in a phenomenal location for observing this truly epic natural spectacle. Within a maximum of two hours from Bangkok, you have multiple locations where you can see thousands of birds (sometimes far more), many of which are only watchable in these winter months. Two locations that are quite special however are, Pak Thale in Petchaburi

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Province (13.149910, 100.059142), and Khok Kham, in Samut Sakhon Province (13.512887, 100.350661).

Pak Thale is especially nice in that it provides opportunities to see hundreds of thousands of birds during the peak of the migration season with relative ease. Khok Kham is closer to the greater Bangkok metropolitan area and has basically the same species as Pak Thale. I have often done both in one day. Generally I would advise spending one night out near Pak Thale to make the travel time a bit more manageable.

While at these locations (or any of the many others that are similarly blessed with similar wildlife assemblages), you can find large flocks of wader species, mainly consisting of Sand-plovers and Sandpipers of many species, but with skill and patience (and luck!), you may be able to find one of the true rarities that find their way to Thailand. The Grand prize of avian species is the Spoon-billed Sandpiper. A few weeks ago the first one appeared in Pak Thale and I was lucky enough to find and photograph it again this year. Spoonies are a critically endangered species with fewer than 200 breeding pairs remaining. On a good year, there may be as many as five or six that actually overwinter in Thailand after traveling all the way from the Russian Far East and talk about needle in a haystack! It’s an epic challenge to find those little boogers but when you do, you feel great!

This is a great season to get out of Bangkok and witness this amazing winter migration close to town. These are far from the only places to view this epic event. I will highlight other locations as the winter proceed. Some of the locations will be places we’ve discussed before but with a special emphasis on their winter highlights.

For more information, I invite you to contact me via my email cosm@patana.ac.th.

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COMMUNITY

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COMMUNITY

To comply with social distancing measures, the total number of audience seats are limited. Please book your seat(s) well in advance at info@thesiamsociety.org

05/11/2021

Bangkok Patana School News

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For daily updates, snapshots and news on life at school you can find us here...

643 Lasalle Road (Sukhumvit 105) Bangna Tai, Bangna, Bangkok 10260 THAILAND Tel: +66 (0) 2785 2200 Fax: +66 (0) 2785 2399 www.patana.ac.th Email: reception@patana.ac.th 22

Bangkok Patana School News

05/11/2021