NEWS Patana

Week 15 - Full of Opportunities! P. 2

Recruiting for Great Staff

P. 2

B a n g k o k P a t a n a i s a n I B W o r l d S c h o o l , a c c r e d i t e d b y C I S a n d N E A S C

Letter from the Head of School

Greetings everyone, A very warm welcome back to the start of the new

calendar year and a new school term. Term 2 is going to go by very fast, which is normal

in international schools following on from a very long Term 1. For those parents who have children in either Year 11 or 13, this a critical time of the year for students to stay absolutely focused and right on their targets as their external examinations loom ev-er closer. Actually, research shows that this time of the academic year can be a time for students to start to lose focus and their efforts can start to slacken. This is a very important time of the year for parents to give their kids that extra bit of support, give lots of praise and generally help them keep up to date and on track. Believe me it will all be so worth it once the academic year concludes.

I was speaking to our hard-working PTG group the other week at our monthly meeting and I informed them that I would be flying to the UK at the end of this week to interview prospective teachers who would like to join the Bangkok Patana staff in August 2016. This is always a critical task for any Head of School and I take the responsibility very seriously indeed. It is imperative that at Bangkok Patana we attract and hire the best teachers possible. I have been hiring teachers for many years and the task never gets any easier. One PTG parent asked me specifically what do I look for in a teacher when I in-terview them.

It’s a very good question and I was glad it was asked. When I interview a teacher, it’s usually for at least an hour and a lot of questions can be asked in that time frame. I’m normally interviewing with one of our two principals as it is also very important that Mrs Sharp and Mr Smith have the opportunity to be part of this process as they know their sections of the school best. When I interview a teacher I always have at the back of mind the following characteris-tics that I’m looking for in any teacher that wants to be hired to teach at Bangkok Patana School; I call them the ‘Ten Greats’.

Great teachers set high expectations for all of their students. Great teachers have clear objectives of what they are going to teach on a daily basis. Great teachers are prepared and organised.

Great teachers engage students and get them to look at issues in a variety of ways. Great teachers form strong relationships with their students and show they care about them as people. Great teachers are masters of their subject matter. Great teachers openly communicate with their stu-dent’s parents. Great teachers give clear individual feedback and value what students have to say too. Great teachers enjoy engaging with their students in extra-curricular activities as well as the academics. Great teachers are passionate about what they do every day.

I’m confident that over the coming weeks I will get to interview and hire teachers of the highest calibre to join our teaching community starting in August 2016.

While I’m in the UK I will be hosting our annual Alumni Reunion in London, which is attended by past students, parents and teaching staff. I always look forward to catching up with familiar faces who al-ways talk so fondly about their time at Bangkok Pat-ana. Cross Campus Principal James Penstone will be acting Head of School during my absence. I will be back in my office on Monday 1st February. Have a relaxing weekend! Matt Mills Head of School

By Emma Goligher, Development, Alumni and Marketing Manager

Primary School photographs will be taking place during the week commencing 18th January 2016 and Secondary School photo-graphs will take place the follow-ing week.

The timetable for this is being finalised. In Primary, class teach-ers will inform stu-dents and parents of the day of your child’s class and in-dividual photo-graphs prior to this taking place. Sec-ondary students will be informed ahead of time by their tu-tors.

Please note that unfortunately we cannot accom-modate parents, siblings and/or friends to also have photographs taken at the same time. You are invited to come along at the times and dates stated below if you would like photographs taken as a family or with groups of friends: Family and Friends photographs: Monday 18th – Thursday 21st

January inclusive 3.00 – 4.00pm (3rd floor of Year 5/6)

Monday 25th – Thursday 28th January inclusive 3.00 – 4.00pm (3rd floor of Year 5/6)

Wednesday 10th February 7.30am – 4.00 pm (Conference Centre)

Please note the following infor-mation regarding the photo-graphs: 1.The photography staff are hap-

py to help comb Primary chil-dren’s hair before the photo-graph; however, if children would prefer they don’t do this please advise their class teacher who can pass this onto the staff.

2.The first photograph taken is for use in visa and passport applica-tions. Children will be directed how to stand for this photo-graph and glasses will be re-moved for this.

3.If any child does not want the photographers to suggest poses

for the rest of their photographs, please tell their class teacher or ask the child to ad-vise the photographer directly. 4.Photography staff are unable to down-load photographs onto USB sticks. 5.The order forms sent out in March will con-

tain unadjusted, sample photo-graphs. If you would like any ad-justments made to the images on the final products you are ordering, please tick the rele-vant box on the order form. If you have any questions,

please contact your child’s class teacher or tutor, or email Cheryl at chre@patana.ac.th.

In December, students in Year 4 played ‘Santa ‘to children less fortunate than them-selves. To help them develop an understand-ing of community and service, they were asked to give a gift that would be distributed to children in Northern Thailand. Our caring and thoughtful Year 4 students rose to the occasion with gusto by buying, wrapping and decorating a variety of presents!

With a car packed full of gifts, the presents were delivered to a hill tribe in Nan, near the border of Laos. Lots of children, from five different villages, received our wonderful boxes. Many children had never received a present like this before and were under-standably thrilled!

This week, we received photos capturing the surprise and smiles of those who re-ceived our Christmas gifts and we are pleased to share them here with you.

By Claire Lunn Walker, Class Teacher, Year 4

Having taken part in the Knit for the Needy project organised by BNH Hospital a few years ago, I have been approached by people on a regular basis to repeat the activity. So it was that during Term 1, a couple of teachers started knitting for the poorer communi-ties in Thailand. We were soon joined by parents, teaching assis-

tants, students on Residential - a small but committed cohort. Just before Christmas I took five com-pleted blankets to Holy Redeemer Church, Ruam Rudee, where the Ladies Group took receipt of them to get them transported to com-munites in Northern Thailand.

If you wish to join us, we are knitting squares 20 cms x 20 cms using 5mm needles. For those who wish to be more creative, we have also been asked to make scarves and beanie hats or even sleeveless pullovers. Support is available if you need help to cast on or off or if you would like a little company when knitting. Con-tact Annie Keane an-

ke@patana.aca.th or Helen Ford hefo@patana.ac.th who can get you started or put you in contact with like-minded knitters.

By Ann-Marie Keane, World Languages Teacher

By Dr Surapee Sorajjakool, Head of Thai Programme

Congratulations to Sudthatada (Kate) Wattanavekin, 13O, who was chosen by The Office of the Private Education Commis-sion (OPEC) to receive an Award of Outstanding Youth from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on 7th January 2016 at the Gov-ernment House. Kate joined other students from all over the country who were recognised as being well accomplished and good citizens of Thailand.

This is a great achieve-ment for Sudthatada Wattanavekin and the Bangkok Patana community is proud of her. Kate describes the award ceremony for us:

"In honour of the Thai Chil-dren’s Day, the Ministry of Edu-

cation selects students from all over Thailand to receive the Na-tional Outstanding Youth award

every year. This year, alongside 769 other admirable students, I had the privilege of receiving the award.

The morning at the Govern-

ment House started off with an inspiring (yet humorous) speech from the Prime Minister, General

Prayut Chan-o-cha. He empha-sised the importance of build-ing connections and sharing knowledge in order to create worthwhile developments and motivated us to continue striv-ing for excellence. The ceremo-ny concluded with the Minister of Education, General Dapong Ratanasuwan, awarding us all with our plaques and certifi-cates of recognition. I am honoured to have received this award and I would like to thank my family, friends and

teachers at Bangkok Patana School for always supporting my intellectual aspirations, whether inside or outside the classroom."

University/College Representative Location Date / Time University College London - 2nd Floor, Senior Studies 19th Jan, 12.00pm

Imperial College London - 2nd Floor, Senior Studies 19th Jan, 12.15pm

King's College London - 2nd Floor, Senior Studies 19th Jan, 12.15pm

School of Oriental and African Studies, - 2nd Floor, Senior Studies 19th Jan, 12.15pm

University of Queensland Jinny 2nd Floor, Senior Studies 21st Jan, 12.15pm

Australian Group of 8 Universities briefing / information session

- The Westin Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 19 22nd Jan, 9.00am

World Class Study in London Exhibition - Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong

23rd Jan, 11.00am

IDP Australia and New Zealand Open - Novotel Siam (BTS Siam) 24th Jan, 1.00pm

Goldsmiths College, University of London

Sarah Crack 2nd Floor, Senior Studies 27th Jan, 12.15pm

University of Manchester Fran Halliwell 2nd Floor, Senior Studies 27th Jan, 12.15pm

Royal Holloway, University of London Alice Carney 2nd Floor, Senior Studies 27th Jan, 12.15pm

Education UK GRAND Exhibition 2016 - Royal Paragon Hall, 5th floor 30th - 31st Jan

Upcoming University Visits

Congratulations to the Bangkok Patana School Sailing team for finishing third in the Inter-Schools Sailing Championships held last weekend at Varuna Yacht Club.

Sailing team members are: Joanne Gavin, 10F Patrick Ledoit, 7S Philippe Ledoit, 11T Gabriel McCartan, 5H

Alessandro Miotto, 10K Peter Pakdeejit, 6W Farida Vernon, 8K

Congratulations as well to team member Joanne Gavin and her sister Jade who did well in Laser sailing competitions in Australia during the Christmas Break. Jo-anne Gavin joined the 2016 Aus-tralia Laser Championship at the Belmont 16ft Sailing Club in Lake Macquarie. After five days and 11 races, Joanne placed 15th (2nd female) of the Laser 4.7 class Un-der 16 group of the 2016 Australi-an Laser Championships. With one and half years sailing experi-ence, and only five months of La-ser sailing experience, this was a great result for Joanne!

Jade Gavin competed in the 2016 Australia National & Open Optimist Championships at Bota-ny Bay Sailing Club in George Riv-er, Sydney. Jade placed sixth (1st

female) in the intermediate fleet of the 2016 Australian Open Opti-mist Championships. Jade also has only one and half years sail-ing experience, she is improving quickly and enjoys sailing very much.

The competitions were a great experience for both girls.

By Mike Balo, Cross Campus Assistant Principal Extra-curricular Activities and Sports

Congratulations to our Varsity Tennis players for their fine performance in last weekend's BISAC Singles Tennis Championships held here at Bangkok Patana. Well done to all our players.

Boys’ Results Leo Vithoontien won the final beating Donald Zhiling Mark Nielsen won the B draw beating Denis Sprenger

Girls’ Results Balloon Ruamrak won the Girls’ A draw Clara Boucher was 2nd in the B draw

By Mike Balo, Cross Campus Assistant Principal Extra-curricular Activi-ties and Sports

By Genevieve Ahl, Services Manager

n Wednesday 20th January 2016, Bangkok Patana School will be hosting its first INspirED event through which we aim to give students, parents and external speakers the opportunity to give talks on community and glob-

al issues. This first event will include the launch of the Secondary Environmental Committee’s short film, talks given by Senior Studies students and a fantastic keynote talk given by Emily Penn. Emily has given TED Talks and seminars around the world, and received excellent reviews after her Royal Geographical Society Tour round the UK in 2014. Admission is free – donations at the door will be given to charity. Time of the event to be confirmed.

? By Polly Sinnett Jones, Community Service Coordinator

Dear Primary Parents, Please read below and plan in ad-

vance for Transport on the depar-ture and return date for your child/ren’s Residential Visits. Email Transport of any changes in ad-vance.

Primary Residential Week 1 and 2: Transport and ECA information for Primary Students in Years 3 - 6. During Primary Residential Visits (25th – 29th Jan and 1st – 5th Feb) there will be no ECAs except for se-lective Swimming, Tennis, Gymnas-tics, Singapore Mandarin and Dutch. Students not on Residential will travel home on a 2.30pm bus unless they have one of the ECAs listed above. During this week, the mix of children on each bus or the bus chil-dren travel on may change. You will only be contacted via email or SMS if it is necessary to amend your nor-mal pick up time in the morning.

Year 3 Residential Transport Monday or Wednesday Departure Day - Buses will be provided to school as normal. If you wish to bring your child to school using your own transport, please CANCEL the bus in advance to avoid delays to other users. Wednesday or Friday Return Day – All school transport home is can-celled for students coming back from a Residential Visit. If you wish your child to get a 2:30 school bus home, please contact Transport to book them a seat.

Year 4 Residential Transport Monday of Residential Week – School transport to and from school is as usual. No ECAs – 2.30pm bus home. Tuesday of Residential Week – Buses will be provided to school as normal. If you wish to bring your child to school using your own transport, please CANCEL the bus in advance to avoid delays to other users. Friday of Residential Week – All school transport home is can-celled for students coming back from a Residential. If you wish your child to get a 2:30 school bus home, please contact Transport to book them a seat.

Year 5 and Year 6 Residential Transport Monday Morning: School transport provided as normal. If you will be bringing your child to school please CANCEL the bus in advance to avoid unnecessary delays to oth-er users. Friday Afternoon: All school transport home is cancelled for those students coming back from Residential Visits. If your child is getting a school bus home, please contact Transport in advance to book a 2.30pm bus home.

Foundation Stage, Year 1 and 2 Transport to and from school as

normal (Note: some students on the buses or the bus itself may change

during this week). The ECA programme finishes on 22nd January. In the weeks com-mencing 25th January and 1st Feb-ruary, all Foundation Stage, Year 1 and Year 2 children will be on the default 1.50 bus home - with the exception of Year 1 and 2 students who are in the Thai ETP and Singa-porean Mandarin programmes.

Secondary Students Transport to and from school as

normal (Note: some students on the buses or the bus itself may change during these two weeks). ECA pro-gramme continues until 29th Janu-ary.

Friday 22nd January Block 2 Primary ECAs end (except for students in the Thai ETP and Sin-gaporean Mandarin programmes.) Monday 25th January ECA confirmations available online. Phase II opens at 12:00pm. Friday 29th January Block 2 Secondary ECAs end.

Parent volunteers are needed for Fun Day 2016. Help us make

this a great school community event. Please email Daphne

Seiler at ptgfunday@gmail.com if you can volunteer your

time for two or more hours on Fun Day.

Louise Truslow A Retrospective

Opening Reception January 14, 2016. 7-9 pm. January 14-31, 2016 Marking 20 years since she started painting, the Neilson Hays presents a Retrospective of British artist Louise Truslow; featuring works from many of her exhibitions of the past two decades and encompassing all of the media she now works in. The exhibition opens with a Reception on Thursday, January 14th from 7-9 pm. and continues until the end of the month. Over the years Louise has become well known for her evoca-tive oils and watercolours - particularly those depicting monks, umbrellas and South East Asian scenes. More recently she has started working in glass and to a less-er extent, bronze. Her glass is kiln-formed and all her work is created using recycled crystalline glass, which she sources from a local manufacturer. Some of the works in this exhibition are from the artist's pri-vate collection and the latest paintings were exhibited at the Royal Overseas League in London during 2015. Louise came to Thailand in 1990 and has lived in Asia for over 30 years. Her background is in Performance Arts and although she has no formal training in painting or glassmak-ing, her work has been exhibited in several cities and is held in private and corporate collections around the world.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Nalin Vanasin, Curator at the Rotunda and Garden Café Galleries EMAIL: nhl.curator@gmail.com FACEBOOK: Neilson Hays Library Rotunda & Garden Café Galleries Neilson Hays Library 195 Surawong Rd, Bangkok Tel: 02 233 1731

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