SWENext invited Mr Sam Michael to speak about clean air. Mr Michael has studied and worked in Asia for over 20 years and is the Vice President and General Manager for AtmosAir Asia; he leads sales and operations, developing and implementing indoor air purification projects throughout the Asia Pacific region.

From this talk on his experience getting into the clean air field, students gained many insights into the hard work and importance of clean air. A memorable moment was his explanation for why clear air was such a necessity: breathing in dust-ridden air was comparable to drinking water that was a little bit dirty. This made us realise that there has been very little emphasis on the importance of clean air to communities, especially those more prone to reactions from the dust, pollen, etc.

Previously working in real estate, we found that his passion for indoor clean air management began later in his life. Outside his office doors, his interest expanded by working in his backyard with friends on how to manage methane – a notoriously known and potent greenhouse gas.

One of the many takeaways from his talk was about the importance of being a technical communicator. Mr Michael described how it is similar to a Venn Diagram: one half is the technical side, and the other half is the communication side. On the technical side, you need to know the underlying knowledge of ‘how’ (e.g. How the air filters from AtmosAir Asia clean the different particulate matter in the air). On the communication side, you need to be able to effectively tell clients about this, sell the product and convince them you know what you are talking about. 

Overall, I think the audience learnt a lot more about the real world of engineering and business, and everyone had their own personal life lessons from this talk. Thank you, Mr Michael!

Diversity Digest is a weekly reflection written by staff from different areas of our school

Bodhi Day

Have you noticed Bodhi Day in our calendar this month? It acknowledges something at the very heart of Buddhism: the moment Siddhartha Gautama finally found what he’d been searching for.

His search began when he was a super-rich prince who realised that despite all his riches and power, he was still suffering. When he looked around him, he saw that everyone else, every single person, was suffering too. So, he left the palace in what is now Nepal and spent years searching for true happiness. He eventually sat down under a fig tree and stayed there, meditating, until he finally understood. That moment of enlightenment turned him into the Buddha. The tree became known in English as the Bodhi tree, which is why many Buddhists around the world celebrate Bodhi Day.

If you’re in Japan, China, Korea or Vietnam, you’ll find Bodhi Day marked on December 8th, or sometimes on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. Here in Thailand, though, Bodhi Day is not often celebrated, as the Buddhist tradition is slightly different. Most Thai Buddhists celebrate Visakha Bucha instead, which rolls the Buddha’s birth, his enlightenment and his death into one major observance. You’ll find the same approach in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Different traditions. Different calendars. Same intention.

The most important thing is this: whether it’s December or May, whether it’s called Bodhi Day or Visakha Bucha, the heart of it stays the same. It’s about taking time to reflect on what the Buddha taught, trying to bring more compassion and clarity into how we live, and recognising that it’s the search for happiness that connects us all.

It’s hard to believe that our Lord of the Flies journey began all the way back in May. By June, we had designed the set and measured it out in the Black Box Studio with Mr Corker and, Khun Rat, who was ready to weave his practical miracles into action. Two box-model prototypes later, and materials ordered-Khun Nui and his team were prepared to begin the build as soon as the school calendar allowed.

Before we left for the summer break, we had organised audition dates and held an information event for all interested students, who were encouraged to learn set monologues over the holiday. When we returned for the first full week of Term 1, auditions began immediately. An exciting, yet very difficult, casting process followed, and the final cast was confirmed. By the third week, rehearsals and blocking were underway, and the story of this production truly began to take shape.

Months of planning, designing, rehearsing and finally refining led to last week’s performances; a remarkable culmination of talent from our unbelievable cast, our brilliant backstage crew, and two passionate teachers determined to challenge their students to rise to the top within a safe and supportive space.

The production became an epic adventure filled with laughter, tears, creative risk-taking and countless moments of pride. What made this experience truly special was the unity it inspired. Students from Year 10 to Year 13 came together to create something brave, stirring, and deeply collaborative.

It has been an honour to be part of such a nurturing, blossoming process and one that we will always remember and hold dear in our hearts. We are deeply grateful to every young person involved and every extra adult who made the magic happen and to those who came and supported their loved ones by being a fantastic audience!

Please read our artistic vision and a note of love to our beloved cast and crew and our thanks to everyone who wrote their feedback on our Audience Applause Padlet.

Here are some reactions from the community:

“I can’t remember the last time I was that immersed in a performance. Like, everything from the tense death scenes to the oppressive atmosphere created with fluid ensemble work to that perfect ending with the Sound of Silence was soooooo good. 100% going to buy the book now. I was completely shaken with the level of dedication. My acid moment was when Simon was killed, particularly the chanting, dancing, and the high level of tension created. The ensemble movement really sold it for me as I could see everybody was working together to make that happen. The shock emotion afterwards felt so genuine when the ensemble realised what they’d done. It felt so good to watch something that you don’t really get in Bangkok. Thanks for breaking a couple of legs and conches. Great job everyone involved.” – Felix Darley, IB Alumni (Drama student)

“From the pre-show (flight crew, waiting lounge) to the simple yet effective set, to the carefully choreographed chaos, to the lights, sounds and songs and the incredible all-out acting, the show was gripping and engaging. Congratulations to all the students on stage and behind the scenes and to your teachers, directors and mentors. It was a stunning performance! You must be exhausted from doing the show 3 nights in a row, but you should also be so proud!” – Parent

“ What a polished and passionate performance! You must be so proud – this has gone way beyond a school production.” – Teacher

This month’s theme: Giving, Generosity and Kindness
This month’s theme celebrates giving, generosity and kindness, perfectly timed for the festive season and the start of a new year, with stories that inspire reflection in a season of new beginnings. Where will your reading journey take you over the holidays?

Interview with Mark Grist, Award winning rapper, storyteller and children’s author

What is one of your fondest or most favourite reading memories?

I grew up on a very remote island called Unst, in the Shetland Islands. There were fewer than 500 people on the whole island, and most days after school I’d pack a little sandwich, wander down to Norwick beach, and sit on the rocks to read. I remember reading The Worst Witch there one afternoon when a seal climbed onto the rock beside me, barely a couple of metres away. We shared the space in total silence — just me turning pages and the seal sunbathing. It felt like reading and real life had blended together. I don’t think I’d be doing the job I do now if I hadn’t had that beach to read on. 

Which fictional character would most like/least like to meet in real life and why?

I would most like to spend time with Ged from Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea books. There’s such quiet wisdom in the way he approaches the world — thoughtful rather than showy — and I think an afternoon walking along a coastline with him would do something good for the soul.

On the other hand, I would never want to meet Miss Trunchbull. She’s one of the greatest villains ever written, partly because she’s such a powerful reminder of how adults can use authority badly. It makes me appreciate all the Miss Honeys out there — the teachers who protect, encourage and change lives for the better.

Which books about giving have been most inspiring to you? Do you have any book recommendations for this theme?

One book about giving that really resonates with me is The Storm Whale by Benji Davies. It’s about a boy who discovers a small whale washed up on the shore and decides to care for it. His quiet act of kindness doesn’t just help the whale — it brings him closer to his father, showing how generosity can create connection in unexpected ways. It reminds me that giving doesn’t need to be big or expensive. It can be thoughtful and personal — a story shared, a voice offered to a cause, or even a short poem written for someone in a Christmas card. Small acts of care can have an incredible effect and taking time to write something for someone this Christmas in a card is my number one recommendation to give someone you care about a better Christmas this year.

Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 Recommendations

Sarah Murgatroyd – Foundation Stage Assistant Leader, Class Teacher FSNM

The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
The Smartest Giant in Town is a delightful story about George the scruffy giant who gradually gives away his smart new clothes to animals who need his help. It is a heartwarming tale of kindness and generosity brought to life through the rhythm of the words, the repeated song lines, and the richly detailed illustrations.        

‘Room on the Broom’ by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffle
‘Room on the Broom’ is a much-loved rhyming adventure that celebrates friendship, kindness and teamwork. A kind witch and her cat collect helpful animal friends on their broom, who in turn save the witch from a hungry dragon. The magnificent new broom that is created is the perfect end to this special tale.  

Christopher Thomas Holt – Class Teacher FS2H, Foundation Stage 2 

It’s Mine! by Leo Lionni
It’s Mine! by Leo Lionni is a lovely story that shows why sharing and working together matter. The three frogs keep arguing about everything being “mine,” which quickly leads to problems, but when real trouble arrives, they realise they need each other. By the end, they discover that helping and sharing makes life better for everyone. It’s a simple, warm story that also opens the door to great conversations and activities about kindness and taking turns.

A Hat for a House by Audrey Perrott
This is a wonderful story that gently explores sharing, kindness, and thinking of others. As the characters try to find the perfect “hat” for the little house, they learn that working together and being considerate makes all the difference. Their small acts of generosity show how helping one another can turn a simple task into something joyful. It’s a light-hearted tale that encourages lovely conversations with children about kindness, cooperation, and looking after the people and places we care about. 

Robine Johnson – Lead Teacher for Primary Community Action; Class Teacher 1R

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

I have always loved “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae. This exciting, rhyme-filled journey through the jungle links so well with this week’s theme of giving. Not all gifts come wrapped in bows. Sometimes a gift is the right words at the right moment, noticing hidden potential and offering quiet encouragement to try something new or in a different way. The wise old grasshopper unlocks Gerald’s confidence despite the mockery of others and allows him to discover his own way to dance. What a wonderful gift for anyone to receive!

Purnima Ghogar  – Secondary English Teacher

What You Do Matters by Kobi Yamada
This series includes three uplifting stories – ‘What Do You Do With an Idea?’, ‘What Do You Do With a Problem?’, and ‘What Do You Do With a Chance?’. Each book follows a young child who meets something unexpected: an idea that grows the more it’s nurtured, a problem that seems scary until faced with courage, and a chance that brings possibilities if they are brave enough to take it. Together, these stories show how small acts of kindness, courage and generosity can shape who we become. Perfect for this month’s theme of giving and new beginnings – a thoughtful and inspiring holiday read!

Key Stage 2 Recommendations: 

Tracey Williams – 3T Class Teacher

The Giving Snowman by Julia Zheng                                                                                                  
This is a beautifully illustrated book about how a snowman helps some animals and a farmer on a snowy night when they are in need and how when the sun comes out, they are all given the opportunity to pay back its kindness. A story that teaches us all the importance of giving to others.  

Mimi Kuznetsova (6C)

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
In the book, there is a young boy who grows older and wants more and more as he grows. The tree gives him everything he asks for, even if it means having nothing left. But the boy didn’t care. The tree didn’t stop giving because it wanted the boy to be happy, as the tree loved him very much. In the end, the boy realizes how much damage he has done and how much the tree gave him. He apologizes to the tree for being greedy and taking advantage of its kindness. This is a very good book on the topic of kindness and generosity because it shows that even though people love you and give you things, it doesn’t mean you should keep on asking for more and that there is a limit. Which teaches young children not to ask for too much. 

Kiko Toma (6C)

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

I chose the book Wonder. I liked reading this because it always inspires me about acceptance, tolerance and not giving up, even when things get bad. This book connects to giving because many people in the book gave and showed Auggie (the main character) kindness, empathy and chose to be friends with him. Some people, like Jack Will, was initially friends with Auggie because Mr Tushman told him to, but later in the book they became true friends, showing acts of giving, kindness, generosity and empathy.

Key Stage 3 Recommendations: 

Sarai Adams – Secondary English teacher
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Manga) written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, flips the classic fantasy formula. Instead of chronicling a hero’s quest, it begins after the Demon King’s defeat. The story follows Frieren, an elven mage whose long lifespan kept her distant from her human companions. Decades later, after Himmel the Hero’s death, she sets out on a new journey that teaches her the meaning of life and friendship. Through guiding young adventurers and helping strangers, Frieren learns that true kindness is selfless. Her quiet acts of generosity forge lasting bonds and show that small gestures can change lives. Expect stunning battles, heartfelt moments, and a reflective take on adventure that fans of fantasy will love.

Vicky Li – 7O
Doraemon by Fujiko F. Fujio (Manga)

I recommend this comic called Doraemon because it shows kindness and friendship. This book is about a boy called Nobi Noby who is bad at sports, doesn’t do his homework, and is a total disaster. Then a robot cat from the future called Doraemon comes and helps Nobi with gadgets from his 4th dimensional pocket. It links to the theme because Doraemon uses gadgets to held Nobi who is his friend. You should read it because it shows kindness and links to the theme. (Also it is crazy fun to read).

Key stage 4 and Senior Studies Recommendations: 

Katie Sloane – Head of English Faculty

Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon

Funny, absurd and deeply moving, this wholly original take on the historical novel is a wonderful tale of giving and self-sacrifice. It is 412 BC, the Athenians have tried and failed to sack Sicily and are being kept in quarries in Syracuse to be ridiculed or tortured by locals seeking revenge. Along come two Euripides-loving lowlifes – well, one and his waster mate – to give purpose and hope to these doomed Athenians, bringing them much needed food and wine in exchange for their renditions and eventual performances of Medea and Women of Troy – fearful that these plays will be lost if they allow the Athenians to die. They give them much more than material goods – a sense of shared humanity amongst these straggling enemies.

Rinka Bunsokuwan, Year 12 
Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoevsky (Translation by Michael Katz)

Crime and Punishment follows a young man in St. Petersburg who becomes consumed by a dangerous idea and makes a decision that leaves him struggling with guilt, fear, and isolation. The novel focuses on the psychological effects that follow, showing how his beliefs, emotions, and relationships shift as he confronts the consequences of his actions. It is a character-driven story that explores moral conflict and the slow process of facing one’s own humanity.

The main character’s gradual change is guided not by punishment, but by the steady compassion of the people around him. Their support, patience, and willingness to care for someone at his lowest demonstrate how powerful simple human generosity can be. The story shows that kindness can influence a person more effectively than judgment, and that empathy can reach people even in difficult or morally complicated situations. 

Chaiyanat (Win) Kuptivej 12B

A Silent Voice, Manga series by Yoshitoki Ōima

The story centers on Shoya Ishida, a high school student haunted by his past. In elementary school, he relentlessly bullied a deaf classmate named Shoko Nishimiya, eventually forcing her to transfer schools. As a result, his classmates turned on him, leaving him ostracized and isolated for years. Now older and filled with regret, Shoya learns sign language and seeks out Shoko to make amends, trying to bridge the gap he created between them.

This series explores a profound type of kindness: atonement and forgiveness. It is about is the immense generosity required to forgive someone who has hurt you, and the selfless dedication required to fix what is broken. It teaches that kindness is often a deliberate choice to understand someone different from yourself. Shoya’s dedication to learning sign language to atone for his past mistakes serves as a powerful reminder that true kindness often requires the generous gift of time, effort, and a willingness to truly understand someone else.

                                                    

Year 1 – Year 6 photos: 19th – 23rd January;
Foundation Stage photos: 5th – 6th February;
Secondary School photos: 29th January – 6th February

This year school photos will be taken by Sunshine Photos. Under the agreement, all photos will be stored by Sunshine for 1 year and then the files will be deleted to comply with PDPA guidelines. Sunshine offers a large variety of products, which they will detail when the student proofs are sent home.

School photos taken in Term 2 will be used on all school databases and on report cards, etc. from Term 3 of this academic year through to the end of Term 2 of the next academic year.

CLASS AND INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS

Your child’s class teacher/tutor will let the students know when their class photo is scheduled. Class photos are taken with students and their teachers, parents are not allowed into the photo room.

If your child misses their class photo, they will not be digitally added into the group photo. In the Yearbook, we will add a separate photo of the missing child beside the group photo.

WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SICK ON THEIR PHOTO DAY?

If you know ahead of time that your child will not be present for their photo, please inform their class teacher/ tutor so that an alternate day for their photo can be arranged.

Primary: If your child misses their photo day, please contact their class teacher to ensure your child goes to the photo location within 23rd January to have their individual photos taken. No appointment is necessary during school hours. The student will need to show their Patana card (Years 3 – 13), or be accompanied by an adult.

Secondary: Students should head to the photo room to have their photo taken, immediately upon returning to school between 29th January – 6th February. No appointment is necessary. They should have their Patana card with them.

Catch Up Day: A catch-up day will be scheduled and communicated via the Secondary Daily Notices and Primary Class Teachers. The catch-up day will only be for individual photos, not for groups. Students who were unable to get their photo taken during the two initial weeks of scheduled school photos, should get their photo taken on this day.

CAN WE HAVE A FAMILY PHOTO TAKEN?

Appointments for family photos can be requested by filling this form. Requests will be considered on a first come first serve basis.

QUESTIONS?

Email: publish@patana.ac.th

In this month’s episode of the Patana Pod, we sit down with Chris Walsh, our new Assistant Leader of Primary PE.

With a lifelong connection to sport and a teacher’s eye for what sparks student enthusiasm, Chris shares the journey that has shaped his work in and beyond the PE curriculum. He reflects on how gamification can harness young people’s motivation, why purposeful play matters, and the moments of joy that have kept him inspired in teaching.

Chris also opens up about what excites him most in his new role, the opportunities he sees ahead, and how he aims to champion student engagement, wellbeing and creativity through movement, challenge and game–based learning. We share our warmest congratulations again to Chris on becoming a dad for the first time. A very special chapter.