Learning, it’s for Life!
Chris Sammons, Head of School
Welcome back to academic year 2024! It was an exciting summer on site as our teams cleaned, painted, repaired and developed the school for another academic year. Send your thanks through the universe to our incredible Business Team for all their hard work in pre -
planned are exciting and the courses you have chosen are representative of your awesome talent and ambition. We appreciate the time we had together and look forward to hearing of the great things you are yet to achieve. Some of Grad’24 joined our older Alumni in Bangkok to
paring Bangkok Patana School to receive our children. A tiny fragment of the summer development included a repaint of the primary library, further safety measures in Year 1 open play, shades over the 25m pool and of course the stunning new tennis courts.
Inviting you to appreciate this picture on the right from 1994 when the courts were first opened. They have served us well for 30 years and we are the only school in Thailand to have tennis courts with International Tennis Federation (ITF) Standard Certification; an investment in quality to ensure our students have the highest performance facilities for them to grow. They will sustain us for another 30 years; beautiful in size and quality.
Preparing for the year ahead, we have welcomed 28 new academic staff across our three school sections. Spanning three continents and six countries, the new team have an impressive pedigree; collectively they have worked in fifteen different countries before establishing themselves here. They bring experience, joy and motivation to join our mission ensuring students of different nationalities grow to their full potential. Wishing them well in their service to young people and families.
Which brings me to Grad’24 – what an incredible set of results you achieved! The university destinations you have
Tennis Courts Opening ‘94
New Tennis Centre Opening ‘24
celebrate their shared heritage and new horizons. Thank you to everybody who contributed.
The continuity of friendship, shared stories of a childhood well spent and the benefits of remaining connected to the Alumni network were common conversations on the evening. It was nice to hear how different global citizens were navigating jobs across continents and always seeking and finding Patana Alumni to help with their transitions; evidence that the deep connections which are formed
change is the professional care for young people to support them in their own growth.
Whether you have started in Tiny tigers, Foundation Stage or any of our year groups in-between, whether you have arrived new this year or continue to grow with us from last year, we wish you joy in finding your Patana Belonging and all that it offers for life.
Look forward to seeing you in community.
from being part of Patana last for the rest of your life. This intangible return of our community’s investment is as unique as it is cherished.
It was also striking how many of our alumni at the Bangkok event were involved in employment opportunities not yet invented just five years ago. The World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts that 23% of jobs will change again in the next five years: not lost, just changing. By the time Grad’25 graduate from university, the job market will look markedly different. We are at the human machine frontier and by 2027 43% of tasks will be completed by machines and not humans. That’s just three years away….
The new frontiers of these changes are coming fast and living through this part of history is more exciting than we realise. Our School was established by our founders to adapt to these changes and this is reflected in our name as an ongoing reminder, Patana. And, what will never
Bangkok Patana schooL’s new tennis centre: a Legacy of exceLLence and a future of oPPortunity
AsBangkok Patana School continues to uphold its tradition of providing world-class facilities for its students, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of our brand-new Tennis centre. This state-of-the-art facility represents not only a significant upgrade to our existing sports infrastructure but is also a testament to the school’s ongoing commitment to nurturing athletic talent and fostering a love for sports among our students.
A Rich History of Tennis at Bangkok Patana
Tennis has always held a special place at Bangkok Patana School. Our tennis courts have seen countless matches, from friendly fixtures between students to fiercely contested tournaments that have brought out the best in our athletes and lasted well into the night. Over the years, the tennis programme has grown from a small group of enthusiasts to a thriving community of players, coaches, and supporters. On any given week the courts play host to PE Lessons, Primary Tennis ECAs, Secondary Tennis ECAs, Patana Tigers Team Training, Adult Cardio Tennis, Staff Social Tennis and a huge number of community members
enjoying a casual hit about.
The first tennis courts at Patana were constructed in 1994 on the main campus where the Y5/6 building now sits, marking the beginning of a journey that has seen our teams compete at the highest levels. These courts, though modest by today’s standards, served as the foundation for what would become one of the strongest school tennis programmes in the region. As the popularity of tennis grew among students, so did the need for better facilities. This led to the expansion of the original courts to the site across the road and later the construction of the Mini Tennis courts to nurture our youngest players. The Mini Tennis courts were designed to support the introduction of the innovative Red, Orange and Green Ball game, which involves a smaller court and low pressure tennis balls, so that movement patterns of the adult-sized games are mimicked but the challenge is age and stage appropriate.
Celebrating Our Teams’ Achievements
Over the years, the Patana Tigers have enjoyed remarkable success, both on and off the court. Our players have
Cindy Adair, Cross Campus Principal
consistently performed at the highest levels, with many going on to compete in national and international tournaments and several taking up college scholarships. The dedication and hard work of our athletes, combined with the expertise of our coaching staff, have been key factors in building a programme that is recognised for its excellence. Our long-term Head Coach Daniel Ahl, continues to represent Team GB to this day in international tournaments and several other members of our coaching staff have represented the Kingdom of Thailand in the sports of Tennis and Soft Tennis.
One of the most notable achievements in recent years was our impressive record at SEASAC, where the Tigers have consistently ranked among the top teams. Both our Boys’ and Girls’ teams have shone brightly, clinching multiple championships in this highly competitive regional tournament. These victories are a testament to the hard work and determination of our players, who have shown that they can compete with the best in Southeast Asia.
As Head Coach Dan Ahl puts it, “SEASAC tennis has
always been a highlight for the Varsity teams over the years and success at this event has been a legacy handed down year on year by our students. Talent is nurtured from a young age and the investment in a fantastic facility is going to provide generations to come with opportunities like never before and I am excited to see what the future has in store”.
Back in 2015, Patana was very proud to be selected as the Kingdom of Thailand’s first and only representatives to the ISF World Schools Games and we sent our Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity teams to Qatar, where they performed with distinction, finishing in the Top 10 in the World.
Our teams have also been strong ambassadors of the sport, participating in numerous community outreach programs, including their annual ‘Pink Tennis’ fundraiser for Cancer research. Through these initiatives, our players have shared their love for tennis with younger students and local communities, helping to inspire the next generation of athletes.
The New Tennis Centre: A World-Class Facility
The new Tennis centre is more than just an upgrade; it is a game-changer for our sports programme. With its cutting-edge design and top-tier amenities, the complex is set to become one of the premier tennis facilities in Thailand. The complex features multiple courts with the latest surface technology, ensuring the best possible playing conditions for our athletes. The roof design will allow our players to continue to train during rainy season and also stay cool during long tournaments in the hotter summer months.
One of the most significant aspects of the new Tennis centre is its Level 1 ITF (International Tennis Federation) accreditation. This prestigious certification is a mark of excellence, indicating that our facilities meet the highest international standards. The Level 1 accreditation means that the courts are suitable for hosting professional-level tournaments, bringing Bangkok Patana School into the global tennis spotlight. This opens up exciting possibilities for our students, who will now have the opportunity to compete in a facility that is recognized by the ITF as being on par with the best in the world.
What ITF Accreditation Means for Bangkok Patana
Achieving Level 1 ITF accreditation is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about the quality of our new Tennis Complex and our very supportive Business Manager Craig White and the hard-working Project Manager Lilian Fok and their respective teams, who have worked tireless-
ly over the summer to deliver the project on time and on budget. The ITF is the governing body for the sport of tennis, responsible for overseeing the development of the game worldwide. Its accreditation process is rigorous, requiring facilities to meet specific criteria related to court surfaces, lighting, player amenities and overall safety standards.
For Bangkok Patana School, this accreditation is more than just a badge of honour; it is a reflection of our commitment to providing our students with the best possible opportunities. With this accreditation, we are now in a position to host ITF-sanctioned events, which could bring some of the world’s top junior players to our school. This not only raises the profile of our tennis program but also provides our students with invaluable exposure to high-level competition.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to open the new Tennis centre, we are filled with excitement for what the future holds. In the years to come, the Tennis centre will undoubtedly become a hub of activity, where students of all ages can come to hone their skills, compete with their peers, and build lifelong friendships. It is our hope that this facility will not only elevate our tennis programme but also contribute to the overall well-being and development of our students, instilling in them a passion for sports and physical activity that will last a lifetime. Watch this space for the next exciting builds in our 10-year infrastructure plan!
MatiLda and friends - terM 3 2023/24
Sharon Marie Godfrey, Secondary Drama Teacher
Atthe heart of Drama is collaboration. For this production, we wanted to give everyone the opportunity to share in the fun of creating a performance as an ensemble rather than putting emphasis on one single role. When an ensemble works together to tell a story, it’s far more vivid and engaging. We challenged the cast to think outside the box on how to use physical theatre, movement, and voice to bring moments of magic to life on stage. This captured the way Matilda herself sought refuge in the books she read. And, meant that throughout the creative process, teachers and students co-created the performance together. This togetherness made attending rehearsals always a pleasure! Our cast put in countless hours preparing for this show on top of regular school and life, illustrating their commitment to one another and the new friendships they had made across all of the year groups. They performed with this deep understanding and insight of what it truly means to be a team and gave their all to 3 inspiring performances of magical enchantment to sold out audiences.
We are so incredibly proud of them right from the start of this charming adventure to the very end of this charming adventure and we know that they will have made special memories for life and we thank them all for those special memories too.
“We never do anything in halves in the Drama Department, and that is something to be celebrated. None of this could ever happen if we worked alone; we have a whole team supporting us from start to finish for which we are eternally grateful. We hope that as you read the reflections from our cast that you are able to feel the joy, silliness and sense of belonging from this outrageously talented cast and crew. “-
Jess and Sharon
“My favourite memory from the show is probably after the first show when we went off the stage and everyone was high fiving each other and congratulating each other. Everyone on this show just had a really positive attitude and added so much to this show. We all held each other up and helped each other with everything! During the show I’ve learnt so much about the show business, and how much work goes into productions. I can definitely say the year 7 girls owe the teachers A LOT of hairspray!”
-Niamh Redmond, 7R
“In my opinion, one of my favourite memories was going through the process of learning, and redoing, learning and redoing so that it could be absolutely perfect! I also loved the bonds that we could make with friends, and I absolutely loved the process. I would have to say that I
“Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous.” - Matilda by Roald Dahl
loved performing. It had given me a beautiful sense of pride to go onstage and showcase my talents to the audience. I am certain that I have learn many many things. One of them being how to memorise the script and lots more. I learnt how to be patient with other actors and also to have a great time . Overall, I have had a blast. Thank you to all the cast, crew, teachers, setup staff and friends in supporting me through this rollercoaster of a journey. I’ll love you guys forever and I’ll remember this as my first play.”
-Jonah Ebrahim, 7W
“My favourite memory of the show was always the endings when we would all run off screaming of joy that we finished another night of a successful show, I really enjoyed bonding with everybody and making new relationships and friends I loved the times when we would all support and hype each other up before and after the shows. I’m so happy and grateful to have found a community and an activity that I love and feel welcomed and forever accepted in. During the time of the show, I learnt a lot about
the features of making a show and the bonds we all make along the way, I learned a lot about the process and the hard work everybody involved has to put in and I will forever admire all the shows I will see in the future.”
-Luna Franssen, 8B
“My favourite memory during this play was meeting lots of new people and making new friends and sharing memories together. I really liked the moments we shared backstage and the support that we got from the teachers. I learnt how hard it is to keep an angry face on stage and how to really stay in character during a performance and experiencing a speaking role with more lines. Also being independent as well as being the oldest backstage and how others rely on you.”
THANK YOU SO MUCH TEACHERS !!!
-Eliana Maruniak, 9U
The arTs award for drama 2023/24
Looking back and Looking forward
Aswe start the new academic year, we are proud to announce that Felix Darley and Benjamin Lu, two of our Year 12 students, were awarded the prestigious Drama Awards on Friday, June 14th. These awards recognise their outstanding commitment and passion for theatre.
The Drama Awards are highly competitive, reflecting the high caliber of talent in our drama department. Felix and Benjamin have been involved in every production over the past three years, demonstrating a deep love for the arts and a consistent dedication to extracurricular theatre. They are not only tal-
ented performers but also excellent role models for younger students, known for their kindness, collaboration, and inspiring leadership.
Their teachers commend them for their enthusiasm and reliability. “Felix and Benjamin have been crucial to the success of our shows, consistently fostering a love of theatre within the student community,” said Ms. De Borja.
As they head into their final year at Patana, we look forward to seeing Felix and Benjamin continue to contribute to our community and pursue their passion for the arts. Congratulations to both on this well-deserved recognition.
Katie Meadows, Secondary Drama Teacher
secondary MusicaL auditions
services uPdates
IMPORTANT SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT
Dear School Community,
We are writing to request your cooperation in ensuring the safety of everyone on our school grounds.
Driving Safety: Please be extra cautious and vigilant when driving within the school premises. With children frequently walking around, it is crucial to:
• Drive slowly.
• Be alert for pedestrians at all times.
• Yield to those crossing the road.
Pedestrian Safety: Parents, especially those with young children, please:
• Hold your child’s hand at all times when on the street or in the parking lot.
• Teach your children about road safety and the importance of using designated crossing areas.
Your attention to these safety measures is vital in preventing accidents and ensuring a secure environment for our children. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our school community safe.
Transport Department
isat study triP for thai teachers
Dr. Rattana Chanruam, Secondary Thai Curriculum Leader
In July, 2024, ISAT hosted a workshop with the theme of “River of Life with ISAT: Unveiling Thai Culture and Heritage” This event was a wonderful opportunity for Thai teachers in international schools across Thailand to participate. The aim of the workshop was to maintain a good relationship between schools and to develop the professional learning community, which was successfully achieved based on participants’ feedback. Ms.Pranee Waisara (Kru Pla) and I represented our school at the workshop.
On the first day, we had the opportunity to visit many significant cultural and religious sites in Thailand, including those important to Buddhism and Brahmanism. We visited a famous temple at Wat Suthatthepwararam, constructed over 40 years during the reigns of Rama I to Rama III, which became a significant temple for Rama VIII. We learned about Thai architecture, history, and culture from the beautiful wall paintings. Additionally, we visited a key site for Brahmanism in Thailand at the Brahmin Shrines, which houses three important god statues. Brahmanism has played an important role in royal ceremonies from the Ayutthaya period to the present day, including the king’s coronation and the Royal Barge Procession.
On the second day, we took a boat trip to visit a multicultural area that showcased the blending of Thai, Chinese, and Portuguese influences. This fusion was evident at Wat
Ratchaorasaram, a significant temple for Rama III, which features a mix of Thai, Chinese, and Portuguese architecture. We also visited a church that displayed the influence of Christianity during the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin Eras. Our exploration of multicultural knowledge continued at the Kudichin Museum.
In addition to learning from these historical sites, we attended a seminar led by an expert, Ajarn Apiwat Kovintharanon, who shared extensive knowledge about Thai art and culture. I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of Thai art, which represents the country’s identity through various forms such as Khon, traditional houses, food, and attire. It is crucial to transfer and embed this cultural knowledge in our students, the next generation, so they can proudly embrace their Thai heritage.
Kru Pla discovered that this workshop provided an excellent opportunity for teachers to gain authentic experiences by visiting real historical places. As teachers, we realised that deeper knowledge is often found beyond the pages of a book. As the Thai proverb says, “Hearing ten people claim to see something isn’t like seeing with your own eyes.” However, it can be challenging to impart the extensive details of Thai wisdom and culture to primary students. Nevertheless, the earlier they start learning, the sooner they will develop an appreciation for their Thai heritage, which is the ultimate goal of being Thai!
Solo Festival September
DATE Saturday 28th September 2024
TIME 9:00am-1pm (time-slots – 9-10am, 1011am, 11am-12pm, 12pm-1pm)
SIGN UP Registrations open : Monday 26th August
Deadline: Monday 16th September
INFO solofestival@patana.ac.th
dance for aLL 2023/24
Dancefor All is a project that was first thought of by Ari, during one of our Varsity dance training sessions. The aim of the project is to share our passion and love for dance, to children living in the slums of Thailand.
Once a term, we would go to Klong Toey Community Library by Sikkha Asia Foundation to play games, teach dance and bring food for the children. In the beginning, the children would stare at us with curious eyes and were hesitant to join us in our games. However, as the music began to play, the beats and rhythms of the song encouraged the braver children to step up and dance with us. Slowly, the awkward barrier faded away and everyone was up and moving. The place was filled with laughter and children asking us for piggy backs, hair braiding and even surprising us by calling our names.
As the regular visits continued, everytime we arrived at the community library, children would be waiting for us by the doorsteps and some even running up to hug us. On some of the visits, two of our friends Jajar 9B and Risa 6M had also joined us and helped out. Together, we taught the children Street Jazz choreography and in return, they taught us Thai dances. The slums had magically turned into a stage for the children, encouraging them to freely express themselves.
Through this project, we had learned to communicate with younger children and saw the power dance has in uniting and spreading joy to everyone, even in the most unexpected places. Being part of the project “Dance for All” has been an amazing experience for us and together, we will continue to spread joy one dance at a time.
Natalia (Nana) Suthiwongsunthorn 9B, Arisa (Ari) Wangwittaya 9S, Zahira (Cici) Choksiri 9M
10 eco-friendLy initiatives that Made the 2024 Paris oLyMPics a green gaMe-changer
Ana Bolakoso, SEC Co-President
1.
Solar-Powered Sports Venues: The Sun Was Their MVP
Paris made the most of its sunny summer days by powering Olympic venues with solar energy. Solar panels were installed on rooftops, ensuring that the games ran smoothly without leaving a heavy carbon footprint.
2. Low-Emission Transportation: Pedal Power and Beyond
Athletes and spectators were encouraged to ditch cars in favour of bikes, electric buses, and even shared scooters. Paris expanded its network of bike lanes and added new e-bus routes, making it easy to travel between events without contributing to air pollution.
3. Recycled Building Materials: Old to Gold
Many of the new Olympic structures were built using recycled materials from previous projects. From re-using concrete to incorporating upcycled wood, Paris turned old materials into shiny new facilities. Paris also put a creative twist on their Olympic medals by recycling pieces of leftover metal from the Eiffel Tower due to construction. This embedded a unique homage to the host city.
4. Water Conservation: Hydration Without Waste
Water stations were everywhere, encouraging the use of reusable bottles instead of single-use plastics. Furthermore, innovative systems were installed to harvest and recycle rainwater for landscaping and cooling needs.
5. Green Spaces: Nature in the City
Paris added green spaces and urban gardens around the Olympic venue. Not only did this provide a breath of fresh air, but it also helped offset the carbon emissions from the games.
6. Zero-Waste Policy: Reuse and Recycle
modular mattresses were crafted using repurposed fishing lines and later donated to charity. The village also featured tables made from shuttlecocks, chairs created from bottle caps, and pouffes fashioned out of reused parachute canvas, showcasing a broad commitment to recycling and sustainability. In addition, composting stations, recycling bins, and clear signage helped everyone from athletes to spectators to dispose of their waste responsibly.
7. Local Sourcing: Farm-to-Stadium Eats
The Olympic Village and venues featured locally sourced food, supporting French farmers and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transport. From organic baguettes to fresh cheeses, athletes were well-fed and eco-conscious.
8. Eco-Friendly Merchandise: Souvenirs with a Conscience
Paris redefined their Olympic souvenirs by offering eco-friendly merchandise. T-shirts made from low water footprint organic cotton, reusable bags, and water bottles crafted from recycled materials—memorable and practical pieces for remembering the games without harming the planet.
9. Digital Tickets: Paperless Perfection
The 2024 Olympics fully embraced digital ticketing, reducing paper waste and making entry to events smoother than ever. A win for the environment and the attendees!
10. Carbon Offsetting: Because Every Little Bit Helps
Paris turned to offsetting any inevitable remaining carbon emissions from the Olympics. Investments were made in renewable energy projects and reforestation programs, ensuring that the games left a positive impact on the planet.
The 2024 Olympics went all in on waste reduction, with a goal of sending zero waste to landfills. The Olympic Village is famous for its iconic recyclable cardboard beds, but the sustainable design doesn’t stop there. In Paris, the
The 2024 Paris Olympics wasn’t just about breaking records on the field, sportsmanship and pride; it was about setting new standards for sustainability. Paris portrayed that it is possible to host a global event while being climate conscious.
Timestamps
0:00 #1 Patana Card Top-up Information
Patana Card - Bangkok Patana School (fireflycloud.asia)
1:09 #2 Try Seek with your kids
Seek by iNaturalist · iNaturalist
2:23 #3 Share a Secret
Share a secret - Onetime (onetimesecret.com)
Have a great weekend.
Brian Taylor
Assistant Principal, Technology for Learning
Patana ParTiCiPaTes!
Achievements from Our Community
Inggrayani Herlambang, Parent
Chanya Bayla Somboonvechakarn, 9H and Thanatcha (Tara) Tanompongphandh, 3T participated in the Denla Piano Competition 2024 and won the Grand Prize in category B (8-12 years old) and (5-7 years old) respectively.
The final round was held at Denla British School on 20th June 2024. This year competition was joined by pianists from 102 different schools across Thailand.
