It is a universal experience in education that the people you meet including cleaners, office administrators, teaching assistants and teachers choose to work in a school setting because of their innate belief that it is a privilege to contribute to the world through education. Service to others is priced into the role.
The task they share is to pass values from one generation to the next. Working in a school is both a set of daily tasks to achieve and a noble cause which lasts your lifetime. The noble cause and the rewards that educational workers experience were never more visible than the poetry competitions which happened just before Songkran.
The Primary and Secondary poetry competitions led to students being able to beautifully capture themes which transcend culture; creaing a moment to remind us that humans have a shared experience of life itself. Firstly, the Primary poetry competition winner.
The rainforest, a marvel of nature,
A world of hope,
Trees dance in the cool breeze, Leaves slowly drift to the ground,
Monkeys take what they need,
Others find their place among the green,
In this lush world of the wild.
The rainforest, a channel of life,
A garden in disguise,
Lush, leafy guardians,
Stand tall and strong,
The canopy - a green umbrella
Protects life down below,
In this lush world of the wild.
The rainforest, silent, swaying vines, splashes of water soothe the soul, Trees whisper secrets in the wind,
Raindrops pitter patter on leaves, Monkeys chatter and screech,
The river gurgles, murmuring quietly, In this lush world of the wild.
This is the rainforest,
A realm of green,
A place of pure happiness, Joy dances like fireflies in the air,
While the spirit of the forest grows…
Breathes…
All of the Year 5 poetry submissions and their performances were judged to have considerable merit. Thank you to the Year team and their students. Thank you also to the Primary Arts team for developing the performance skills of each child and class, this really was about collaboration. The full engagement of every child in their class performances was something to behold.
The winning poem with themes of ‘marvel’ and ‘hope’ expressed a sense of awe which is the very feeling when you enter a living rainforest. Vivid imagery gives such a strong sense of movement as the forest is described as dances, drifts, gurgles; likewise, the sounds and colour bringing life to words on a page. Finally, the concept of trees as guardians exchanging wise secrets and taking care of the other parts of their eco-system demonstrates a depth of thinking to value our natural environment more. Keira’s beautiful poem invites readers to appreciate the rainforests wonders and the performance was of equal significance in bringing understanding. And then to the Secondary Poetry Competition.
I peel back the flesh of memory let myself be taken, a child to slaughter into that wet wound where the water is rare as the grief is rich where you stood perimeter of a stone ocean black eyed onyx, still, and blue slipping down the blade-cut silhouette of your shoulders a ripple of light in the Styx so white, my fingers came away bleeding when I reached to touch youglass-eyed and sweet-faced, as you were the day the smoke came up and etched the contours of your departure grey. only then did I realise, breath taken like a fool:
Not an ocean,
You were always a slow-burning statue, weren’t you? and the ash filled my mouth all at once. you; cheek-turned, never surrendering to conceal that soundless curve of laughter, that saltwater smile, and ever drifting into the shuttering blue while I; conscience unspooled like a thread around my ankles, rendered floor-bound captive to your fading back. you are the same, even in death. impossible to grasp fluttering, like wind and I am still circling that empty shore waiting for you to emerge from the door I never close.
Trinity takes similar themes of the natural world and pursues a different feeling of longing and loss. The concept of a stone ocean is ingenious; simultaneously symbolising permanence of stone and transformation from the movement of an ocean. With more melancholy tone, reminding us that permanence is beyond our grasp and the lesson of life is honoring the past whilst embracing the future. Finally, understanding that compassion and connection keep doors open to new understandings and human connection.
Poetry has the remarkable ability to transport us to different realms, inviting us to contemplate life’s mysteries. Our students have beautifully captured the nature of life itself in two distinct ways which contrast vibrancy and melancholy. Their poetry is both profound with knowledge and the ability to express understandings to others who read them. Their poetry transcends borders, cultures and languages. Contained in their work are the whispers of universal truths which invite us to reflect on our shared humanity, the very definition of global citizenship.
If you are reading this on your phone or your laptop, an invitation to print out the poem, find a moment away from the distractions and think about celebrating diversity, honouring impermanence and listening; to the silence and the symphony. Our students learn beyond the syllabus: in these poems, they speak to the very heart of being human, something which no examination grade can ever capture. Thank you to them.
Whenadults recall their Primary school days, they often remember events that inspired awe, wonder or curiosity in them, rather than a regular classroom lesson. At Bangkok Patana, we hope to evoke these feelings and more during our educational visits. This year, Year 5 have been fortunate to go on three unique visits: to the planetarium in Term 1, our Residential trip to the rainforest in Khao Yai, then recently to explore the local Chao Phraya River and its uses. Each visit links to our current unit of learning, deepening the children’s knowledge in an authentic and memorable way.
Daniel Willingham, Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia, and author of ‘Why Don’t Students Like School?’, emphasises the importance of background knowledge in learning. He explains, “The processes we most hope to engender in our students – thinking critically and logically – are not possible without background knowledge.” Educational visits provide this in a seemingly incidental manner. While we strive to create an interesting, motivating curriculum for our students in the classroom, a visit to the rainforest, for example, brings a whole new dimension to their understanding. Just like adults, children notice the beauty and complexity of the environment around them and often come away with more questions than answers – a sign of true engagement.
Well-planned, hands-on learning experiences like these, complement classroom learning perfectly. They provide background knowledge that enhances understanding
and enriches the curriculum. Our water trip is strategically scheduled for the start of our water unit of learning, providing an exciting entry point, and ‘front-loading’ key vocabulary and concepts. It allows the children to have input into their curriculum by sharing what has inspired them and what they wish to know more about, following the visit. Our recent water trip generated ideas from children like: ‘‘Where does the Chao Phraya begin and end?”, “Why do so many turtles live in there when it isn’t clean?” and “Why does it matter that humans use more water these days?” We will aim to find out the answers in the coming weeks. Our planetarium visit, on the other hand, takes place near the end of our space unit, allowing the children to make use of their newly acquired vocabulary and understanding to fully explore the exhibits and activities on offer and consolidate their learning.
Educational visits not only enhance the academic curriculum but also foster social and emotional development, particularly in resilience and relationships. Teachers gain valuable insights into their students and students learn a lot about themselves when they are tired and trekking through the rainforest, or when collaborating with peers from other classes whom they don’t know very well.
We are privileged to have access to such meaningful and rich opportunities, supporting our curriculum at Patana, and we will continue to include them in our curriculum, creating lifelong memories for our students.
“The
important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein
Your monthly round up of reading recommendations. This month’s theme… Adventure
INTERVIEW: : PAUL-JOHN D’ROZARIO, HEAD OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION1. What is one of your fondest or most favourite reading memories? As a child I enjoyed reading the in vogue children’s books of the time. I do have a distinct memory of being fascinated by a story about ‘The Red Door’ (by Edith Raymond Lock) - where a young child moved house but was fondly attached to his previous bedroom door! Eventually the door was located and fitted to his new bedroom. There was plenty of symbolism with this ‘red door’ - reassurance when coping with big changes in life at a young age. I also had fun reading the classics such as Swiss Family Robinson and Robin Crusoe which caught my imagination of being shipwrecked on a faraway island and having to survive as well as adapt to the new environment with very little equipment to assist you. Similarly, I enjoyed the action and characters in Treasure Island. Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn provided me with insights into a belief systems of a bygone era as well as encouraging my own spirit of seeking mini-adventures. At secondary school, I enjoyed dissecting Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet - it has it all: love, assumptions, entrenched beliefs, violence and tragedy. At Sixth Form - my notable reads were Kafka’s ‘Metamorphosis’ and Brecht’s ‘The Caucasian Chalk Circles’ Both highlighted the injustices of the stereotypical capitalist societies.
Daumal. I love the way he articulates the spirit of adventure and the reasons for climbing a mountain in the first place (and any other challenge in life) - it reads; ‘You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place? Just this:
Varit Sreepayak, FS2E
2. Based on any non-fiction books you have read about real-life adventures, which real life person would you like to have dinner with?
Walking Through the Jungle by Debbie Harter and Fred Penner
Hike through the rainforest, scale a mountain, swim across the ocean, and still make it home for dinner. Rhyme and repetition make learning fun in this terrain-traversing title that encourages movement and reinforces animal sounds. A favourite of all children from Tiny Tigers, to FS2, this timeless classic can be read or sung and is always fun with some animal actions too!
Joe Simpson. Who is a former outstanding British mountaineer - now an author and motivational speaker. He has an incredible storyof adventure, inspiration, skill, human grit, survival, and sheer luck. Whilst taking on a huge mountaineering challenge in the Peruvian Andes, he suffered severe injuries and was simply left for dead but he survived (I will not spoil the story - you will need to read yourself). I would love to hear his tales first hand of all the decisions, thoughts and fears that took place.
3. What does ‘adventure’ mean to you? Do you have any book suggestions for this theme?
Adventure means a myriad of connotations. I do believe it is based on a strong self confidence and the ability to push your comfort zone - to not be afraid of the unknown and a willingness to explore by oneself - but be sure to be diligent in preparation beforehand. I would thoroughly recommend Joe Simpson’s books - Touching the Void and The Beckoning Silence. Actually these books inspired me to explore the ice peaks of the Himalayas in Nepal (where I had an incredible adventure and a mini Joe Simpson experience). I would also fully recommend the works of Randulph Fiennes (immense adventure achievements!) and biographies on Shackleton - a real trailblazer and pioneer explorer. Indeed, please look up Tim Jarvis, who re-traced Shackleton’s epic antarctic survival expedition. My father also directed me to the writings of a mountaineer/poet - Rene
Kristin Wang, FS2E
Snail Trail by Jo Saxton
A colourful snail asks you to help him look for his favourite painting. Follow his silver trail through a selection of famous modern paintings by an exciting range of modern artists including Pollock, Rothko, Mondrian, Dali, Picasso, and Matisse.
KEY STAGE 2 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Julie Kelly, Leader of Excellence in Teaching and Learning in the Primary School
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
When fourteen-year-old Alex finds his uncle’s windshield riddled with bullet holes, he knows it was no accident. But what he doesn’t know yet is that his uncle was killed while on a top-secret mission. Finding himself in the middle of terrorists, Alex must outsmart the people who now want him dead. The government has given him the technology, but only he can provide the courage. ‘Stormbreaker’ is a fabulous adventure story filled with suspense, thrilling missions and nail-biting discoveries. It is the first in a series of 12 books.
Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell
Everyone tells Sophie that she was orphaned in a shipwreck. However Sophie has a strong suspicion that this is not true. When she is threatened with being sent to an orphanage, Sophie flees from the authorities to the rooftops of Paris! Here she meets Matteo and his
network of rooftop-dwelling urchins, and together they race across the rooftops in search of Sophie’s mother, defying the odds and never giving up hope. ‘Rooftoppers’ is a classic adventure story about pursuing your dreams and never ignoring a possibility.
KEY STAGE 3
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Eliza Meadows, 7R
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
Curious if we have any of these books available in our libraries? Come and Visit us
I find myself drawn to these fantasy novels where there is a spirit of adventure. They are captivating and let your mind delve through the wonders of this realm. You really must applaud Rick Riorden as he has outdone himself with this series. The Percy Jackson books are fantasy novels about a boy and one horrific day, where his life becomes a lie; he can’t decide on what to do. He doesn’t know who he is or who he can trust. His life has gone from totally normal to monster fighting chaos. This captivating fantasy adventure genre allows you to immerse yourself in a fictional realm where anything is possible. Join him on his treacherous quest as he delves into a world of monsters.
Arlyn Sorakraikitikul, 7B
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
This is one of my favourite fantasy-adventure series ever! It contains all the elements you want in a book: character build, unique plot, and descriptive writing. It is a book from the perspective of a normal human girl named ‘Jude’ who lives in ‘Elfhame’, a land where all the subjects are divided into courts filled with Faeries and ruled by the High King. This book is filled with political drama and intricate detail. It does have some topics like violence that may not be suitable for younger or sensitive readers, but overall I recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy-adventure and beautiful writing.
Sahiem Anand, 9B
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
KEY STAGE 4 AND 5 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Jasmine Power, 12H Bamboo Road by Ann Bennett
This book is one kept dear to my heart as Bennett writes about Sirinya and her trip back to her home country, Thailand, where she is determined to settle old scores back from the war years. The book takes twists and turns through flashbacks and present moments, taking the reader through her journey during the war - coming back to her hometown where her love for a prisoner of war during the Japanese occupation of Thailand during the 40s haunts and troubles her. Ann Bennett’s spectacular story-telling of Sirinya’s visit and her experiences with heartbreak creates a whole new feeling of adventure and self-exploration. The raw emotions developed through Bennett’s writing is what made this book so dear to me, seeing Thailand and it’s culture during the time makes for such a captivating book. I found this book to be full of surprises both joyous and harrowing, but I think the sheer writing transports us to another place for us to venture.
This is a rather short but extremely captivating suspense novel, leaving me second-guessing until the final page. This atmospheric psychological thriller tells the tale of a psychotherapist (Theo Faber) with one goal in mind; to crack open the mind and investigate the actions of Alicia Berenson, an incarcerated prisoner infamous for being seemingly ‘incurable’. The story and plot line are very articulately written, full of surprises, red herrings and complete curveballs. The book gives insight into the subject of psychology very clearly and compendiously that the reader interprets the knowledge while keeping the main focus on the actual plot. Michaelides offers us an incredibly stimulating and insightful read full of multidimensional characters with complexities beyond measure. This book acts more as a mental and emotional journey through the cores of each character, leaving readers spellbound by every chapter, finally wrapping up the storyline extremely well, giving readers revelation after revelation and always having them seeking answers.
TThe novel ‘The Song of Achilles’ explores the idea of adventure as it tells the story of the Odyssey, where Patroclus and Achilles have to go with Odysseus to Troy to bring back Helen. It is in many ways also an adventure of love, because Patroclus puts himself into Achilles’ stead, to fight Hector as he does not want Achilles to die. In fact, he ultimately ends up sacrificing himself for love. One could say the book is also therefore, an exploration of despair: After Patroclus dies, Achilles essentially goes on a killing spree and meets his own demise. Fortunately for the heroes, their adventure continues as they meet again in the afterlife. I would recommend this book to people who want to learn more about Greek mythology and want a book with both romance and adventure.
Murray Sutcliffe, IB English Teacher Mountains of the Mind by Robert Macfarlane -
This book delves into the historical roots that have shaped our fascination with mountains and the allure of mountaineering. Macfarlane skillfully weaves together adventure narratives, poetry, art movements, and historical context to illuminate why we are drawn to scale these majestic peaks. The book explores the evolution of our perception of mountains, from once being considered godless and lawless places to becoming symbols of adventure and transcendence. I read Mountains of the Mind while hiking in the Himalayas during the Songkran break, and it captivated me with its richly detailed storytelling and profound exploration of our enduring spirit of adventure. If you seek a deeper understanding of our relationship with these natural wonders, this book is a fascinating read!
The time will come, Like spring or summer, The time has begun, Like when the water meets the sun.
Let us be one another, So that when we fall, We don’t just fall to the ground, But fall with each other.
The ups and downs, The wrongs and rights,
Together we will stand, Together we will fight.
If a million love you, So do I,
If a million hate you, On me you can rely.
I say I love you, You say you love me more, Beyond the moon and back, I love you most.
Nowfor those who have been reading my columns over the years will remember previous articles on Bang Pu Recreation Center, located in Samut Prakan about thirty minutes from Bangkok Patana School but I think it may be time to remind people of what a special place it is and why visiting it now would be a good idea.
Bang Pu serves many functions. For the majority of people, it is a lovely place to stroll and enjoy the greenery of native mangrove forests, a severely endangered biome, not only in Thailand but also the rest of the planet. It’s a great place to venture out on a long pier to enjoy the sea, a few thousand Brown-headed gulls and perhaps a nice seafood meal (although I recommend restaurants just outside the recreation area for the truly awesome seafood).
For the naturalists in our community, Bang Pu is definitely more than a place for a simple stroll. It is a place that is one of the most important remaining islands of greenery in the greater Bangkok metropolitan area. About 100 hectares of protected mangrove forest serves as a very important stopping-off point for many migratory birds as well as a refugium for countless year-round residents. This year has seen quite an extensive list of visitors which have stayed for a surprisingly long period of time. Even with
the extreme heat, Bang Pu has seen many migrants stay longer than normal and expected.
While Bang Pu is a very small remnant of what used to be a truly massive ecosystem, it serves a vital educational service for countless students and residents for the greater Bangkok area. It protects on of the most important biomes on our planet – the coast mangrove forest, which is very endangered throughout its range and serves so many vital functions for our planet ranging from water filtration, to refugia for countless marine and arboreal species and for barriers to extreme climatic events such as typhoons and even tsunamis.
Along with highlighting Bang Pu, I want to share some of the fauna encountered during our Songkran break. Venturing to the deep south, I kept the Mangrove forest-theme alive but in areas in Krabi and Phang Nga Provinces, where mangroves are still present covering significant areas of coastline. I have included a few images of species seen in and around these magnificent forests and a few images are of species a bit further inland in adjacent lowland rainforests. There is still time if you are in the region for a chance, but in case you miss this window, there is always next year!
March 28th, our community engagement team, HER Period Dignity, held a period simulator event in the Secondary Lounge at lunchtime to raise both awareness and money to combat period poverty in Thailand.
HER Period Dignity is an inter-school group across Asia, which has helped hundreds of women. Founded in 2021, HER began at RIS in Bangkok and in 2023 a chapter was launched at Bangkok Patana. HER’s aim is to provide affordable, safe and sustainable menstrual supplies and products to women and girls predominantly in Thailand but also across Asia. We do this through fundraising, distribution, partnership and advocacy. HER has a line of sustainable sanitary products and through the production companies, jobs are being provided to women that wouldn’t otherwise be employed.
Within Bangkok Patana School, this year we have organised three main events: a bake sale, a fabric drive and the period simulator event.
The bake sale took place at the beginning of the academic year to help boost our funds and awareness since we are a new group to the school. Through this we were able to gain new members and promote our cause. The purpose of our fabric drive was to collect materials that could be turned into pads which are donated to women in need across Thailand. We collaborated with another group in school - the BPS economist club - to make this
happen. Since this was our first collaboration event, we were able to learn a lot from a pre-existing group that has had an impact on our school already.
Our most recent event was the period simulator at lunchtime. This event was the most successful in raising our profile within the Secondary School. We put this event in place since, whilst fun and unique, it is also a learning opportunity and a great chance to share information about our cause. We raised over THB 5,000 from this event and had many students wanting to take part, meaning that at the end of lunch we still had eager participants. Through promoting this event in the daily notices, tutor groups were able to discuss this event prior to it taking place, and raising discussion about periods and period poverty, which is one of the aims of our group.
In the next academic year, we hope to further develop our club within Bangkok Patana School, with the aim that once we graduate, there will be a strong and passionate team left to carry on what we have started this year.
Any athlete knows that stretching may not be the most exciting part of practice and it is often under-rated. Stretching is more than just a warm-up routine; it’s a powerful tool that can enhance your athletic performance. In this article, we’re going to shed light on the numerous advantages of incorporating stretching into your training regimen.
Stretching is your first line of defence against injuries. By performing dynamic stretches before practice and static stretches after, you increase your muscle flexibility and joint range of motion. This reduces the likelihood of sprains, strains, and tears during intense workouts or competitions.
After a challenging workout, muscle soreness is a common occurrence. However, regular stretching can significantly reduce post-exercise soreness. Stretching helps increase blood flow to your muscles, facilitating the removal of waste products and promoting faster recovery.
Greater flexibility and mobility are essential for athletes in almost every sport. Stretching exercises, such as Yoga or Pilates, can help you achieve a wider range of motion. Improved flexibility can give you an edge in sports that require agility, balance, or precise movements.
Stretching sessions provide an excellent opportunity for team bonding. When you stretch as a group, it fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie among team members. Sharing a stretching routine can be a valuable team-building experience that strengthens relationships and boosts team morale.
Incorporating Stretching into Your Routine
Now that you’re aware of the benefits, here are some tips on how to incorporate stretching into your daily routine:
1. Dynamic Warm-Up: Begin with dynamic stretching before practice. These include leg swings, arm circles, and high knees. Dynamic stretches prepare your muscles for action by gradually increasing their range of motion.
2. Post-Workout Static Stretching: After practice or a game, dedicate time to static stretching. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds, focusing on major muscle groups like quads, hamstrings, calves, and shoulders.
3. Yoga and Pilates: Consider incorporating yoga or Pilates classes into your training schedule. These disciplines not only improve flexibility but also enhance balance and core strength.
4. Stretching Circles: Organise team stretching sessions. Gather your teammates and follow a stretching routine together. This not only promotes physical health but also strengthens team bonds.
5. Listen to Your Body: Stretch Safely
If you are engaging in advanced stretching techniques like ballistic stretching (bouncing) or PNF stretching, it’s crucial to have a coach present at first. They can ensure that you’re challenged but not pushed too far. However, for most everyday stretching routines, opt for static stretching, which involves holding a stretch gently without bouncing. This practice reduces the risk of injury and provides a soothing and controlled stretching experience. It can be helpful to schedule your stretching whilst you are already relaxing, watching a series or movie.
6. Consistency is Key: The benefits of stretching compound over time, so make it a regular part of your training regimen. Even on rest days, light stretching can help maintain your flexibility.
Did you know that Patana provides early morning Strength and Conditioning training for student-athletes in partnership with IPRIMUS, whose founder is Toby Altree, alumni from Grad12.
The team from PRIMUS have kindly put together this video guide to the ultimate cool down with Coach Aiden to fight off DOMS (delayed onset of muscle soreness) and ensure you stay injury free. Scan the QR code down below!
In this video, Dr. Alisha Moreland-Capuia, an addiction specialist and professor at Harvard Medical School, discusses video game addiction and how it can impact a young person’s life. She explores the definition of ‘internet gaming disorder’ according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and shares ways for parents to have conversations with their kids about gaming, emphasizing the importance of meaningful conversations.
If you’re looking for further insight into this then listen to the full interview on the links below: Listen Here: Apple Podcasts // Spotify // Youtube // Website
Have a great weekend.
Brian Taylor Assistant Principal, Technology for Learning
Check out the newest episode of the Patana POD!
SAFY RIZK- PTG CHAIR
(Nominated for 2nd Term)
SHARAN HORA- SECONDARY REP
(Nominated for 2nd Term)
DENNIS STECH- TREASURER
INNA MATIJASEVICH- YEAR 5 REP
ANDERSSON- PTG CHAIR
Congratulations Kingston Pan, 9J for being awarded ‘The Best Goalie’ and ‘Best Player’ in the semifinal match for the U18 Ice Hockey Tournament representing Thailand in Uzbekistan. Thailand won the silver medal.
