Bangkok Patana Turns 70!
70 Years of Community, Kindness and Learning
For the first assembly of the new academic year, students were treated to a celebration of Bangkok Patana School’s 70-year legacy. Student MCs kicked off the event with a countdown and a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday, Bangkok Patana. Followed by a1950s dance by our staff who had a ‘Whole lotta twistin’ going on’, with a special cameo from the Head of School himself! Performances by students, Joey on the piano, Janya’s powerful rendition of Don’t Rain on My Parade and Khun Nirat and band, brought energy to the occasion. Alumna Tania Bunya Ananta, who went to School at our early campuses, was interviewed by long time teacher Mr Ian McDonald and a Year 2 student, sharing her favourite memories.
Reflecting on Bangkok Patana’s beginnings, Head of School Chris Sammons paid tribute to founder Rosamund Stuetzel’s vision, “Seventy years ago, there was no big campus, no theatre, no Sports Hall. But there was an incredible, bold idea,” he said. Drawing on Rosamund’s own words, he reminded students that “great school buildings are created from really strong foundations”, adding that those foundations are built by people, community and friendship.
Celebrating both Bangkok Patana’s history and its future, Mr Sammons reflected on the values that continue to guide the School today: “A love of life, a love of learning, a love of Thailand, and most of all, a love of friendship.”
Looking ahead, he also encouraged the community to support the School’s annual Fun Run on 27th September, with this year’s event aiming to be the biggest yet, in honour of Patana’s 70th anniversary. He reminded the community that the Fun Run supports Thai charities and urged families to register. “If you get out of bed and come and run, you can help change Thailand!” he said.
As the assembly came to a close, the celebrations served as a reminder of the values that have shaped Bangkok Patana for seven decades: friendship, kindness, curiosity and a love of learning. With the School’s 70th anniversary year now underway, students, staff and families look forward to another year of learning, growth and community, while continuing to build on the strong foundations laid by those who came before them.
