A Fond Farewell to Patana
27 years of Teaching …
As I sit down to reflect on my many happy years of being a teacher at Bangkok Patana School, I do so with a profound sense of gratitude and pride.
Little did I know on that fateful day in the summer of 1997 when my friend and I touched down at Don Mueang Airport, that I would remain at Bangkok Patana School for the next 27 years…especially as we had only intended to embark on a two-year adventure! And what an extraordinary 27 years it has been, as it was at Patana that I met my husband and was blessed with the arrival of our two daughters, Róisín (Grad‘22) and Niamh (Grad‘24).
I began my career as a Key Stage 1 class teacher in the Primary School, spent a joyful decade in the Foundation Stage, followed by a few exciting years as a Learning Support teacher in Key Stage 2 before moving into my current role, which I am enjoying so much, in Secondary. I feel I have truly achieved my goal of “Foundation to Graduation” as I, along with Niamh, will be leaving Patana with the Grad ’24 cohort at the end of June.
When people ask me why I remained at the same school for so many years, my answer is two-fold. Firstly, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated and inspiring teachers, now dear friends, in the most beautiful tropical setting. The camaraderie and support of my colleagues has undoubtedly been paramount to my longevity. To each one of you colleagues, past and present, I extend my gratitude for your friendship, guidance and laughs along the way! And secondly, it has been an honor to guide and support the incredible students at Patana, whose diverse cultural backgrounds, perspectives and personalities have enriched every classroom experience. The teaching and learning experience has, without doubt, been a symbiotic exchange. I am so proud of the successful global citizens these students have become and have relished the visits and messages from students I have taught over the years.
But apart from the professional opportunities and lifelong friendships Patana has afforded me, I am forever grateful for the world class education my daughters, Róisín and Niamh, have received – both academically and holistically. They began their Patana careers as Tiny Tigers and spent their entire lives as Bangkok Patana students. As we begin to pack our boxes to embark on new adventures, we are truly overwhelmed by the magnitude of magical memories the archives are uncovering – Christmas assemblies, Records of Achievements, First of the Month books, Solo Festivals, ECAs, Residentials, Gymnastic competitions, Touch tournaments, SEASACs, BISACs, Duke of Edinburgh Gold Expeditions sailing around Koh Krabi and paddle boarding down the River Kwai, International Days, Y2 Sleepovers, Foundation Stage Art Exhibitions, the IB Art Exhibition, Dance Extravaganzas…..the experiences have been endless.
For 27 years, Thailand and Bangkok Patana School has been my second home, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. As both a teacher and a parent, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of a nurturing learning environment. I have no doubt that the Graduating Class of 2024 are fully prepared for the exciting onward journeys they are about to embark on. I wish them every success as they, like me, flee the Patana nest.
With deepest gratitude,
Lisa Cody-Sehmar
Teacher, 1997-2024