This year, just like many families and students, I am getting ready for a big change, and, at the risk of traumatising some of you, I have a well-known song stuck in my head. I’m so sorry.
If you are a Year 13 student, your big change involves opening yourself up to new challenges and experiences as you step out into a bigger world. For those of you in Year 6, the move into Secondary may feel daunting as you leave Primary and find yourself suddenly smaller and newer again – at least for a little while. My big change involves bringing my Patana years to a close and tentatively planning for a different kind of life. It’s strange to be going through a year filled with ‘last times.’ In truth, I find myself quite happy to bid farewell to some parts of my role; it’s much harder to let go of people.
Let it go, let it go…
I can remember when my own school years – first as a student and then as a young teacher – stretched ahead forever. Then, at first slowly, and then unbelievably fast, time sped up and now this final year is passing by with indecent haste and I’m looking to the future with some trepidation.
Conceal, don’t feel, don’t let them know…
Circa Year 2000
Patana is a hard place to leave. As I write this, I’m chomping my way through a bar of chocolate that Carly Peart kindly left on my desk. This is a caring school! During a recent staff training day, we were asked to line up based on years of service. Long-timers were kindly referred to as Patana Legends! Thank you, Mr Seddon, – that’s so much nicer than dinosaurs!
I felt proud to be standing alongside Khru Ne, Mr Grant, the magnificent Murgatroyds (my 2000 cohort) Miss Harsha, Khru Sasi, Mr Richard, Khru Rosie, Mr Mac, Miss Sarina, Khru Pranee, Miss Tracey, Miss Rachel, Khru Mou, and Miss Di. Between us, we have several hundred years of Patana growth and shared experiences. What a community we have helped to build.
I’m sometimes asked if I have a plan – and I really don’t, beyond learning to read a whole book again, maybe even one with proper characters and a complex plot. I do keep a list of things I plan to give some more time to. Not a bucket list, which seems like a restraint rather than a freedom, just some words; walk, swim, family, explore, birds, write, rummage, read, dive, French; daybed. There’s room to add more (dogs and cats; huge garden; goats!).
It’s time to see what I can do
To test the limits and break through
After decades spent in step with the school year, its’s going to feel strange to set my own calendar. I’ve no doubt that I will still rise like the break of dawn but hope my days will find a rhythm and structure that works for me rather than the other way round.
No right, no wrong, no rules for me
I’m free.
If you, too, are leaving Patana, you might also be on an emotional roller-coaster. I’ve had many anxious moments where I’ve second guessed myself. All normal feelings when making a big change, especially if, like me, your default setting is change-averse.
Letting go is hard – but also exciting – and worrying – and filled with new opportunities. These interchanging, flip-flopping feelings can be exhausting, but there is help available! Our Admissions Team have put together some wonderful resources for New and Leaving Families – Bangkok Patana School including book lists for all ages, and even a Parent Workshop in May. Some changes that seem extremely big and complicated right now will, with time, become something that we once did, in a place where we once were. Just a fondly remembered part of our lives.
It’s funny how some distance makes everything seem small
And the fears that once controlled me can’t get to me at all
Let it go…
Anyway, three and a bit months yet to go, and I hope time is kind and slows down a little. I’m already running out of time to say thank you (and sorry) to friends and colleagues, past and present.
When I talk with students who are leaving, I often say that they will always be a part of Patana. It can’t be taken away. It’s also a privilege to leave a school that still brings joy into your life. The Patana diaspora gives us friends and connections all across the world and I plan to be part of the Bangkok Patana School Community, whether in hot and humid Bangkok or wet and windy London.
Instagram has announced a new safety feature designed to help parents identify when a teenager may need additional emotional support. […]
Behind the Bookshelves
What book do you recommend and why?
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick is a warm, easy read that gently reminds us it’s never too late for new beginnings. As Arthur follows the clues left behind on his late wife’s charm bracelet, he’s taken on unexpected adventures that slowly open up his world again. It’s a comforting, uplifting story about taking chances, embracing change, and starting anew — at any stage in life.
What podcast do you recommend we listen to and why?
The Huberman Lab by Andrew Huberman is perfect if you enjoy understanding the “why” behind how we think, learn and behave. It breaks down the science of the brain into practical strategies you can actually use — whether that’s improving focus, building better habits, or getting your sleep back on track. It’s informative without being overwhelming, and you’ll likely come away with something small to try straight away.
At Bangkok Patana School, we speak often about developing learners who are confident, compassionate and capable of thriving in a […]
Building Strong Foundations: Strength and Stability in Primary PE
Jayne Jauncey and Tristan McCarthy, Primary PE
Strength and Stability Fact File:
Screen Time and Back Health Research suggests that each additional hour of daily screen time is associated with an increased likelihood of low back pain in children (PubMed, 2023).
Posture Concerns Children spending extended periods seated, particularly with devices, are more likely to experience postural strain and muscular discomfort.
Injury Risk Weak core muscles and reduced postural control can increase the likelihood of preventable sports injuries.
Decline in Natural Play More indoor, screen-based lifestyles mean fewer opportunities for climbing, balancing, hanging and developing natural bodyweight strength.
Single-Sport Participation More children than ever are specialising in one sport from a young age. Repeated movement patterns without broader physical development can create imbalances and increase overuse injuries.
Performance Impact Poor stability reduces balance, coordination and movement efficiency, directly affecting sports performance.
Long-Term Health Sedentary habits are linked to weaker bones, musculoskeletal strain and reduced physical confidence.
Children today are growing up in a very different physical environment to previous generations. Where earlier generations developed strength naturally through climbing trees, rough and tumble play and time outdoors, many children now spend prolonged periods sedentary or indoors.
At the same time, organised sport has become more structured and specialised. While this can be hugely positive, children benefit most when sport specific skills are supported by broad movement foundations.
Primary school years are a particularly important window for physical development. During this time, children are highly responsive to activities that build bone density, joint stability, core strength, balance and coordination.
Activities such as jumping, landing, climbing, bracing and working against gravity. These are especially important because they stimulate bone growth and strengthen the muscles that protect joints. The prementioned movement activities are some of the key drivers of healthy bone development in childhood, helping children build strong skeletal foundations that support them not only in sport, but throughout life.
Without these foundations, children may still be active, but they are potentially more vulnerable to fatigue, inefficiency of movement and preventable injury over time.
Bangkok Patana‘s Response
We believe strength and stability are not an “add-on” to Physical Education, they are part of building confident, capable movers. From Years 3–6, students take part in a dedicated six week Strength and Conditioning unit within their PE curriculum. During this block, they explicitly learn how to:
Jump and land safely
Accelerate and decelerate with control
Twist and rotate efficiently
Change direction safely
Stabilise through the core and major joints
Safely experience impact and load-bearing activities
These skills are taught progressively and revisited regularly, allowing students to develop strong, transferable movement patterns that support:
Everyday play
School sport and ECAs
Competitive fixtures
Long-term athletic development
Lifelong physical confidence
Importantly, this is not heavy weightlifting. It is age appropriate, bodyweight-based training focused on technique, coordination and control.
Our goal is to develop movement literacy — giving children the confidence, competence and understanding to move well in many different environments. A well-rounded physical programme ensures that children develop balanced strength and stability foundations to support whichever activities they choose to pursue.
Supporting Development at Home
Families can make a meaningful difference by encouraging:
Climbing, hanging and balancing
Skipping, hopping and jumping games
Varied physical activities rather than only one sport
Regular breaks from prolonged sitting
Unstructured outdoor play
These simple opportunities help build strong bodies and confident movers.
Our Strength and Stability programme reflects our commitment to supporting the whole child. By deliberately teaching children how to control and stabilise their bodies, we are investing not only in sport performance, but in long term health, resilience and confidence.
If you would like to learn more about our Strength and Stability programme in Primary PE, we will be hosting a Parent Workshop on 5th May, please see more details in upcoming issues of Patana News.
Students from Bangkok Patana School recently took part in the British Biology Olympiad, a challenging competition designed to stretch and inspire students […]
Students from Bangkok Patana School recently took part in the British Biology Olympiad, a challenging competition designed to stretch and inspire students […]
Historically, women have been under-represented in medical research. Many clinical studies have frequently excluded female participants, and the findings derived […]
Understanding the Heat Index
By Mukdawan Khlang-audom, Health & Safety Officer
The Heat Index, or “feels-like temperature,” is the temperature the body actually experiences. It is calculated based on the air temperature combined with relative humidity. The Heat Index can make it feel much hotter than the actual temperature therefore, it reflects potential health risks more accurately than considering the air temperature alone.
Global warming is causing Thailand to experience more frequent and prolonged heat period. In 2024 and 2025, Bangkok experienced the max Heat Index ranged from 40.1 – 59.4 during the period from late of Feb to mid of May each year, increasing the risk of heat related illness especially heat exhaustion (pale skin, cool, sweaty) and heat stroke (hot red skin).
The one-hour average reading is taken by averaging the readings from three stations:
Sports Complex Station using Air Gradient Equipment (school equipment)
Front Field Station using Air Gradient Equipment (school equipment)
Back Field Station using Air Gradient Equip-ment (school equipment)
For BPS monitoring, the Sports and Activities team will check the Heat Index throughout the day. If the Heat Index reaches ‘Very Hot’ or above, an automatic email will be sent to Principals, the Sports and Activities team supervisors. They will then alert their teams to follow the guidelines.
Parents can access the one-hour heat index average reading at any time during the school day by logging into the Parents’ Gateway.
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A Brass Gathering
By Wanpiya Kittikunsiri, Piano Teacher
The powerful and resonant sound of brass instruments was at the heart of The Brass Gathering, the third event in the Music Gathering Series. This occasion highlighted the students’ musical potential and reaffirmed the commitment of the Instrumental Music Department to providing regular performance opportunities that allow students to grow through real experience.
The students’ performances were impressive, demonstrating confidence, discipline and clear musical development. The event not only offered a platform to showcase their abilities, but also strengthened their confidence in a warm and supportive environment.
Learning a brass instrument offers wide-ranging benefits. It develops healthy breathing techniques, strengthens the muscles used for breath control, and enhances concentration and self-discipline. At the same time, performing together as an ensemble builds essential listening skills, teamwork, and a sense of shared responsibility — all of which are fundamental to musical growth at every level.
The event was led by our Brass Teacher, Mr Wirote (Bird) Srisunanrat, and reflected the department’s core values: enjoying music, supporting one another, and growing through regular performance opportunities.
If your son or daughter is interested in enrolling in music lessons at Patana, please contact K Sak at Pech@patana.ac.th for more information.
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IB Guest Speaker – Khun Chart Korbjitti
By Dr Rattana Chanruam, Secondary Thai Curriculum Leader
During the IB Thai Language and Literature lesson, students welcomed Khun Chart Korbjitti, who was named a National Artist in Literature in 2004, as a guest speaker. He wrote Khamphiphaksa (The Judgement), which received the S.E.A. Write Award in 1982.
The Year 13 students have been using this book in lieu of a textbook for the IB course. They had a great opportunity to engage in a deep discussion with the author. He kindly answered questions from the students and connected his responses to the topics they have been studying in class.
Students enjoyed the group discussions and had a valuable opportunity to take photos and receive his autograph. We truly appreciate the time he dedicated to our students and the Patana community.
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Tech Tips #319: New Alerts in Instagram to Let Parents Know if Their Teen May Need Support
Brian Taylor, Vice Principal, Technology for Learning
Instagram has announced a new safety feature designed to help parents identify when a teenager may need additional emotional support. The update focuses on situations where a young person repeatedly searches for terms related to suicide or self-harm within a short period of time. If a family is using Instagram’s parental supervision tools, parents will begin receiving an alert when this pattern of searching occurs. The intention is not to monitor individual searches, but to notify parents when repeated activity suggests a potential concern. Alerts will be sent via email, text, WhatsApp, and in-app notifications, depending on the contact details provided.
When parents open the alert, they will see a clear explanation of why it was triggered and will be signposted to expert guidance and resources to help them start a sensitive, supportive conversation with their child. Instagram emphasises that most teenagers do not search for this type of content. When they do, searches for suicide and self-harm are already blocked, with users directed instead to helplines and trusted support organisations.
The feature builds on existing protections for teen accounts, including hiding self-harm related content from under-18s, even when shared by people they follow. Instagram also works with emergency services in cases where there is an immediate risk of harm.
These new alerts are launching first in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with plans to expand to other regions later in the year. Meta has also shared that similar parental notifications are being developed for certain AI-based conversations, recognising that teenagers increasingly turn to AI tools for support.
For families, this update aims to provide earlier awareness and practical support, while balancing privacy and wellbeing.
Students from Bangkok Patana School recently took part in the British Biology Olympiad, a challenging competition designed to stretch and inspire students […]
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The Power of “Yet”: Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Year 4
By Sarah Harper, Year Group Leader
At Bangkok Patana School, we speak often about developing learners who are confident, compassionate and capable of thriving in a changing world. In Year 4, one of the most important foundations for this is Growth Mindset. As Year Group Leader with responsibility for the pastoral care of our Year 4 students, I see daily how this belief shapes not only academic progress, but relationships, wellbeing and character.
Growth Mindset is the understanding that ability is not fixed. Intelligence, creativity and resilience can be developed through effort, reflection and purposeful practice. In a school that values learning, global citizenship and personal responsibility, this belief is essential. It shifts children away from worrying about being “naturally good” at something and towards embracing challenge as a normal and valuable part of growth.
In Year 4, we explore these ideas explicitly through our Well-Being curriculum. Students reflect on how the brain learns, why mistakes help us improve, and how asking for help demonstrates strength rather than weakness. We discuss respectful communication, healthy friendships and the impact of our behaviour on others. These themes create a shared language around resilience and responsibility, ensuring that Growth Mindset is not just a poster on the wall, but a lived experience in our classrooms and beyond.
Our curriculum units provide rich contexts for this work. In the Chocolate topic, students examine global supply chains, sustainability and fairness. They are challenged to think critically about ethical choices and to grapple with complex questions about responsibility and impact. Tasks require persistence, teamwork and thoughtful discussion. When ideas do not work immediately, children are encouraged to adapt and refine. Through this, they see that deep learning often begins with uncertainty.
Similarly, in our Digging in the Dirt unit, pupils explore history and archaeology through many enquiry-based activities. They analyse evidence, form hypotheses and revise their thinking as new information emerges. This process naturally strengthens Growth Mindset. Learning becomes investigative rather than performative. Mistakes become part of discovery. Children learn that changing your mind in light of new evidence is not failure, but intellectual maturity.
These experiences are reinforced through our emphasis on communication and relationships. Pupils practise expressing opinions assertively, listening actively and resolving disagreements respectfully. As part of our pastoral approach, we guide children to reflect on choices and repair relationships when needed. This aligns closely with Bangkok Patana’s expectations around integrity, kindness and engagement. Growth Mindset is not only about perseverance in Maths or English. It is about resilience in friendships, group work and leadership.
We find that the Year 4 Residential is often where this mindset becomes most visible. Away from familiar routines, pupils face new challenges, whether navigating outdoor activities, solving problems collaboratively or managing homesickness. It is here that the language of “yet” becomes powerful. Children encourage one another to try again, to step outside their comfort zones and to reflect on how far they have come. Staff deliberately frame challenge as opportunity, reinforcing the idea that confidence grows through action.
Importantly, Growth Mindset at Patana does not mean lowering expectations. Our standards remain high. What changes is the pathway to success. We explicitly teach strategies, model reflection and celebrate improvement over time. Children understand that excellence is achieved through sustained effort and thoughtful revision.
Ultimately, by embedding Growth Mindset through our Well-being curriculum, our thematic learning and our pastoral care, we are equipping Year 4 students with the belief that they can grow, contribute meaningfully and thrive, both within Bangkok Patana School and far beyond it.
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British Biology Olympiad
By Corrie Wales, Curriculum Leader Biology
Students from Bangkok Patana School recently took part in the British Biology Olympiad, a challenging competition designed to stretch and inspire students with a strong interest in biology. The Olympiad encourages participants to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom and apply biological concepts to unfamiliar and thought-provoking problems.
This year’s competition saw an impressive 18,800 students from 1,132 schoolsacross the world take part, making it one of the largest biology competitions for school students. The Olympiad provides an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their talent and dedication to the subject while competing against peers from around the world.
In total, 20 students from Bangkok Patana School entered the competition. It was a gruelling challenge involving two 45-minute examination papers, featuring questions that go beyond the school syllabus and require students to apply their biological knowledge in new and complex contexts.
Bangkok Patana students performed extremely well, achievingarange of awards including Gold, Silver, Bronze, Highly Commended and Commended. The Gold award is only given to 5% of all participants, so this is truly well deserved.
A special congratulations goes to our Gold award winners: DingChen Sun, Alexandria (Lexi) Melling, and Narida Charanachitta.
Our Silver award winners were: Tanna Chou and Amelie Ashbee.
Students receiving Bronze awards were: Eleanor Artpradid, Seunghyo Lee, Praopat Ruengcharungpong, and Jynna Wongswan.
Well done to all students who took part in this demanding competition. Their willingness to challenge themselves with biology beyond the curriculum reflects the curiosity, resilience and academic ambition that we are proud to see in our Patana learners.
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Community Engagement at Bangkok Patana: Medic Heart
By Selma Anderson in Year 12
Historically, women have been under-represented in medical research. Many clinical studies have frequently excluded female participants, and the findings derived predominantly from male cohorts have frequently been generalised to female and intersex patients, notwithstanding significant anatomical and physiological differences. (Dr Konstantina Davaki, 2025) The lack of inclusion has created significant gaps in our understanding of how specific treatments affect women, heightening the risk of adverse outcomes and reducing the effectiveness of medical treatment. As a result, the team Medic Heart was created with the goal of bringing awareness to gender inequality and misrepresentation in the medical field. We have recently collaborated with the Foundation for Woman’s Health so that students within Bangkok Patana can ask educated questions and become better informed by getting responses from professionals.
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Carly Peart, Cross Campus Vice Principal, Professional Learning
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Give to Gain’, a call to embrace generosity, collaboration and the power of reciprocity. When we share our time, creativity and support with others, we strengthen our communities and grow ourselves in the process.
In this spirit, Bangkok Patana School is proud to recognise nine female members of staff whose creative work reflects this ethos. All nine participated in last year’s inaugural TAPs exhibition, a CPL initiative celebrating the artistic practice of educators, and were recently featured at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre as part of the exhibition The Art of Giving.
Through the TAPs programme, these artist-educators explore the relationship between creative practice, professional identity and the causes they care deeply about. Their work reflects the many ways educators give: to themselves through creative exploration, to their communities through shared stories, and to others through generosity, advocacy and connection.
Below, we celebrate the nine artists whose work embodies these ideas.
Areeluck Songsirikul, Primary Art Technician
Known to students as Miss Nina, Areeluck Songsirikul has been a valued member of the Primary Art team since 2014. Her paper-cut artwork ‘Miss Primm’ reflects the quiet joy that grows when we extend kindness to others. Resting on crimson blossoms and supported by branching forms symbolising strength and community, the figure reminds us that generosity can become a lasting source of inner strength.
Through the TAPs programme, Nina has embraced new ways to share her creativity within the school community, celebrating spontaneity, resourcefulness and the beauty of everyday moments.
Cindy Adair, Cross Campus Principal
Patana’s Cross Campus Principal, Cindy Adair, balances a busy leadership role with a curiosity for creative exploration whenever time allows. A passionate advocate for environmental awareness, Cindy’s artistic work often reflects her deep connection to the natural world.
Her digital collage ‘Songs Interrupted’ confronts the global crisis of whaling and ocean exploitation. Layered whales move across maps and fragments of plastic debris, symbolising migration routes threatened by pollution and geopolitics. Inspired by Cindy’s fascination with whales, the piece blends beauty with stark imagery to highlight the urgency of protecting our oceans.
In her free time, Khun Duang is rarely far from something creative, whether practising the violin, viola or guitar, or working on her latest crochet project. A Media Librarian at Bangkok Patana School, she enjoys exploring different forms of creativity that bring both calm and joy.
Her collection ‘Daily Stitch by D’ features crocheted pouches and bag charms, created using techniques she began learning only recently. Inspired by a growth mindset, Duang persevered through the early frustrations of learning to crochet and quickly discovered a passion for the craft. Since May 2024, she has created nearly 100 handmade pieces. She has embraced crochet not only as a creative outlet but also as a way to give back. Many of her handmade creations are gifted to others or donated to children in need, reflecting her belief that even small acts of generosity can bring happiness and connection.
Kate McClenghan, Primary Support for Learning Teacher
Kate McClenaghan is a Support for Learning teacher in the Primary School, currently working with Year 6 students. Now in her 17th year at Bangkok Patana, she is dedicated to supporting learners with diverse needs and creating inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive. Her artistic journey began during the pandemic when online art classes sparked a renewed interest in drawing and painting. Her work explores pen and ink combined with watercolour pencil, creating delicate textures and natural tones inspired largely by the natural world.
Through art, Kate found the structure, motivation and collaborative encouragement to continue developing her artistic practice. The process has not only strengthened her creativity but also deepened her appreciation for the perseverance and vulnerability students demonstrate in their own learning journeys.
Marie-Claire Redman, Secondary Art Teacher
Marie-Claire Redman, known to many as M-C, is one of Patana’s dynamic Secondary Art teachers. Alongside inspiring young artists in the classroom, she maintains an active artistic practice and has exhibited her work internationally. Her piece ‘Artefact #1’ forms part of a wider series exploring society’s relationship with imagery and how the value we place on images has shifted in the digital age. Drawing on found objects and cultural references, the piece acts as a visual time capsule, reflecting how images shape our understanding of ourselves and the world.
Through the TAPs programme, M-C continues to explore new creative pathways alongside her teaching practice, experimenting with techniques and visual language influenced by both Western artistic traditions and the rich visual culture of Southeast Asia.
Pimpakarn (Jam) Abhinoraseth, Graphic Designer
A member of Patana’s Marketing team, Khun Jam is often found behind the camera or designing visuals that capture life across the school. While her professional work is primarily digital, in her spare time she enjoys exploring more tactile forms of creativity.
Her oil painting ‘Love’ captures the delicate moment of receiving a first bouquet from a loved one. The piece reflects the importance of honouring women through recognition, equality and genuine care, reminding us that love in all its forms begins with dignity and respect. For Jam, working with oil paint offers a refreshing contrast to digital design, allowing her to explore colour, texture and emotion while embracing spontaneity and imperfection.
Purnima Ghogar Ruangletrbutr, Secondary English Teacher & TAPs Project Lead
As the project lead of our TAPs programme and curator of the recent exhibition at the BACC, Purnima embodies the strong connection between teaching and creative practice. A Secondary English teacher, writer, performance poet and multidisciplinary artist, she is passionate about helping students discover their voices through literature, visual art and storytelling.
Her artwork ‘The Marks of Womanhood’ (digital print, charcoal, pen and ink) forms part of a wider series exploring the many faces of womanhood. Inspired by underrepresented communities in India, the piece celebrates ethnic diversity, dignity and equality through traditional attire, cultural symbolism and layered visual storytelling.
Through both her artistic practice and her teaching, Purnima champions the transformative power of the arts to amplify diverse voices, explore cultural identity and inspire meaningful conversations.
Creativity is clearly flourishing in our libraries, with Khun Waree becoming the second librarian featured in the exhibition. Alongside her role supporting students’ love of reading and research, she has developed a passion for sewing, a craft that has brought her both personal fulfilment and opportunities to give back to others. Her journey into sewing began more than a decade ago after an accident left her in a wheelchair for several months. A sewing machine, originally given as a Mother’s Day gift, became her companion during recovery and opened the door to a new creative path. What began as a personal outlet soon grew into a meaningful way to connect with others and support her community.
Tidarat (Kung) Tonasut, Secondary Arts Technician
Alongside her role as Secondary Arts Technician, Khun Kung nurtures a vibrant artistic practice, creating imaginative paintings that blend human figures, nature and elements of fantasy.
Her acrylic painting ‘Abundance’ celebrates the idea that generosity creates growth. Through vibrant colour and expressive forms, the work reflects feminine energy as a living force that expands through shared voice, connection and support. Inspired by her life experiences and influenced by Buddhist ideas about living in the present, Kung’s artwork invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the beauty found in everyday moments.
Together, these works remind us that creativity is not separate from teaching, it is deeply connected to how educators reflect, express and contribute to the communities around them. Through their practice, these artists show that generosity, curiosity and courage are not only qualities we nurture in students, but qualities that educators continue to cultivate in themselves.
The TAPs exhibition will return next academic year, offering more opportunities for staff to explore their own creative practice and share their work with the wider community. If this has sparked ideas for something you might like to create, now is the perfect time to start planning.
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This year, just like many families and students, I am getting ready for a big change, and, at the risk […]
Women, Art & The Spirit of Giving
By Purnima Ghogar Ruanglertbutr (Secondary English Teacher & TAPs Project Lead)
Women Staff Artists Exhibit Art That Gives Back: Proceeds Supporting Women’s Charities
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, I had the privilege of curating the intimate exhibition “Women, Art & The Spirit of Giving” as part of The Art of Giving: Art, Craft, Enterprise & Equality event on 1st March presented by the Australian Alumni Association (Thailand) at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
Featured within the Art of Giving Gallery, the exhibition showcased the work of nine women artist-educators, business staff and leaders from our Teachers as Practitioners (TAPs) continuing professional learning programme at Bangkok Patana School. It highlighted the spirit of reciprocity at the heart of our community — giving to self, to one another and to the wider community through purposeful creative practice — aligning with the 2026 theme ‘Give to Gain’, with selected artworks on sale in support of women-focused charities.
Showcasing Patana’s Women Artist-Educators
The exhibition featured the work of the following TAPs programme staff artists:
Cindy Adair
Marie-Claire Redman
Tidarat Tonasut (Gung Gaew)
Duangporn Turongratanachai
Areeluck Songsirikul (Nina)
Pimpakarn Abhinoraseth (Jam)
Kate McClenaghan
Sathitha Kitchareonthumrong (Khun Waree)
Purnima Ghogar Ruanglertbutr
Each brought a distinct voice, yet together their work reflected shared values of advocacy, reflection and raising awareness of wider societal issues. The exhibition celebrated women’s voices and showed how creativity can meaningfully contribute to conversations around equity, wellbeing and empowerment.
I am incredibly proud of these women for their generosity in sharing their work on a public platform.
Purchase with Purpose
Selected artworks from “Women, Art & The Spirit of Giving” are still available for purchase, with proceeds supporting women-focused charities in line with the ‘Give to Gain’ theme.
If you are interested in purchasing an artwork and contributing to the nominated causes, please contact the TAPs Project Lead, Purnima Ghogar, at pugh@patana.ac.th.
Inauguration Performance: “Give To Gain”
The day began with my inaugural spoken word performance poem, “Give To Gain: The Art of Giving,” written in response to the 2026 International Women’s Day theme.
In the poem, I reflected on the idea that both art and giving require intention, discipline and cultivation. Giving — whether knowledge, opportunity, visibility or protection is a practice. The poem asked a simple yet powerful question:
If equality is the outcome we seek, what are we willing to invest?
It was an honour to open the event in this way and to contribute creatively to a day centred on enterprise, advocacy and community impact.
‘Envisioning Positive Change’ Workshop
As part of The Art of Giving programme, I facilitated a workshop titled “Envisioning Positive Change: Women’s Voices Through Creative Journalling and Collage.” It was heartening to welcome both Patana staff and parents as we explored values, purpose and visions for positive change through guided reflection, poetry and collage. The openness around the table affirmed how transformative creative spaces can be when people feel safe to share. The workshop planted seeds for continued exploration, encouraging participants to use writing and visual art as tools for clarity and affirmation in shaping positive change in their lives.
Additionally, I had the honour of moderating a panel discussion titled “Giving Voice: Art, Storytelling & Advocacy.”
Joining me were:
Wanassanan “Aom” Krainara, festival owner and curator of The Living Art
Carolyne Thornton, special education and art teacher at the Dove Centre ELC
Dr Naputsamohn Ib Junpiban, lecturer and service designer for wellbeing at Chulalongkorn University
Our conversation explored what it truly means to give voice — and the responsibility that comes with a platform. We discussed how creative spaces, classrooms and wellbeing systems can be intentionally designed to amplify underrepresented voices within Thailand’s growing creative and educational sectors.
The key message was clear: growth alone does not ensure equity; representation and inclusion must be consciously embedded in the spaces we create.
Where Professional Learning Creates Public Impact
The intimate TAPs exhibition and associated events showed how professional learning at Bangkok Patana can extend meaningfully into the wider community. When we practise in our daily work what we teach — voice, empathy, inclusion and reflection — the impact reaches far beyond our classrooms and workspaces.
I am grateful to all the artists and participants who made this International Women’s Day celebration so purposeful, and to the Australian Alumni Association (Thailand) for the opportunity to collaborate.
ISGT 2025/2026 Bangkok Patana Invitation Tour By Piyamas, Parent The International Schools’ Golf Tour (ISGT) 2025/26 Bangkok Patana Invitation Tour took […]
What book do you recommend and why? The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick is a warm, […]
Young Sustainability Leaders Gather for the FOBISIA Student Sustainability Conference
By Cindy Adair, Cross Campus Principal
Bangkok Patana School was proud to host the FOBISIA Student Sustainability Conference, welcoming 145 students from 16 international schools across the region for two inspiring days of collaboration, innovation and environmental action. The conference brought together young sustainability leaders to share ideas, develop practical solutions and build connections around some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet.
The event opened with a warm welcome from Bangkok Patana student Ana, Co-Chair of the Student Environmental Committee, before participants heard the opening keynote on “A Green and Blue Career Path” delivered by Patana alumni Nandita Valiramani, Sustainability Coordinator at Indorama Ventures. Nandita shared her journey into sustainability work and inspired students to see how careers in science, business and environmental advocacy can intersect to create meaningful change.
Throughout the first day, students participated in a dynamic programme designed to balance innovation with hands-on learning. The Eco Dragon’s Den preliminary rounds saw student teams pitch creative sustainability solutions to judges and peers. The brief was to help find a solution to the sizeable carbon footprint generated annually by travel for school-based events. Students proposed carbon budgets, trackers, VR and AR alternatives and a FOBISIA wide carbon credits competition, among other innovative solutions.
Alongside the pitching sessions, students engaged in a variety of practical workshops and experiential activities. These included plant-based cooking sessions, soap making using recycled cooking oil, upcycling projects with leather scraps and plastic, decorating bug hotels to support biodiversity, and tours of Patana’s outdoor classroom and solar array. These workshops allowed students to move from theory to practice, demonstrating how sustainability can be embedded into everyday choices and systems.
Day 1 concluded with a biodiversity photography walk, led by our very own environmental educator and wildlife photographer Coke Smith, encouraging students to observe and capture the natural world around them. The activity highlighted the importance of noticing and protecting biodiversity even within urban environments.
The second day began with a heartfelt welcome by Bangkok Patana Student Environmental Committee Co-Chair Veer and then an energising keynote from Jeroen van de Waal, founder of OrcaNation, whose talk “Together We Can Turn Tides” explored the power of youth leadership in protecting our oceans. Students then took to the stage to present short talks about sustainability projects already underway in their own schools, sharing initiatives ranging from waste reduction campaigns to innovative approaches to sustainable food systems. We were proud to showcase the work of two of our community action teams – Amino Insecto (Insect Protein) and Future of Good Life (Low Carbon Rice) that were showcased by April (Year 13) and Win (Year 12).
The conference culminated in the highly anticipated Eco Dragon’s Den Finals, where the top teams presented their ideas to a panel of guest judges. After an impressive round of pitches and thoughtful questioning, the judges announced the winners:
🥇 1st Place – St Andrews Green Valley 🥈 2nd Place – Bromsgrove 🥉 3rd Place – Jerudong International School (JIS)
All finalist teams demonstrated exceptional creativity, critical thinking and passion for sustainability, highlighting the power of young people to drive meaningful change.
One of the intentional features of the Conference was ensuring we “walked the talk” and made sustainable event hosting decisions. Led by our wonderful Student Environmental Committee the event featured the following green features:
Only vegetarian snacks and lunches
Upcycled mini stuffed elephants as our event gift made from donated pre-loved Primary uniforms
No printed posters or programmes – QR and digital copies only
Upcycled and reused photo booth displays
No event T shirts of unnecessary fast fashion
Visiting teams were encouraged to off-set the carbon generated by their travel to/from the conference
Let’s hear some reflections from the Patana students involved in the Conference!
A highlight for me was meeting alumni Nandita and learning more about her journey from being a climate conscious student at Patana to advising a big company on their sustainability. This really inspired me on the possibilities our passion can create in the future. I also valued hearing the unique ideas of different students from different international schools and what they are doing and what they find helpful to ensure sustainability. Sharing ideas on what works and discussing struggles with other schools really motivated me to keep connected to our International Environmental Committees community in the future. -Ana, Year 11
I found the conference to be very enlightening, and overall, to be a wonderful experience. Everyone was incredibly passionate about sustainability and how they themselves could contribute to the upliftment of the environment, either through reducing their consumption of single-use plastics or by raising awareness of the sustainable practices that their schools were already implementing. I only felt a sense of community, belonging, and connection with all my fellow sustainable students at the conference, and look forward to the next one! -Varsha, Year 11
It was such a pleasure to see so many students in one space that were passionate about the same thing : keeping our school as sustainable as possible. Whilst looking around in the conference halls, it seemed that each student had their own personal drive to learn and grow; some were eager to share ideas for the future of sustainability in business and others wanted to protect what we have on earth like our animals and ecosystems. Overall I was inspired by every student that attended the conference. -Martha, Year 11
Volunteering for the conference was a fantastic experience. I enjoyed the different hands-on events like the Workshops and Dragons Den competition, as well as the talks given by the visitors, and students from the participating schools. I especially loved being in an environment with over a hundred students who actually cared for and wanted to help our environment with both their innovative ideas and small steps. – Sanaa, Year 11
Beyond the awards, it’s clear the conference created a powerful sense of community among students who share a commitment to protecting our planet. Through dialogue, collaboration and shared learning, participants left with new ideas, friendships and a renewed determination to lead sustainability initiatives within their own schools and communities.
ISGT 2025/2026 Bangkok Patana Invitation Tour By Piyamas, Parent The International Schools’ Golf Tour (ISGT) 2025/26 Bangkok Patana Invitation Tour took […]
ISGT 2025/2026 Bangkok Patana Invitation Tour By Piyamas, Parent The International Schools’ Golf Tour (ISGT) 2025/26 Bangkok Patana Invitation Tour took […]
The International Schools’ Golf Tour (ISGT) 2025/26 Bangkok Patana Invitation Tour took place on 9th February 2026, with strong performances from participating schools. Our students delivered notable results in the competition.
Shun Hei Chan earned the title of Winner, Nett Class C (Girls) after a consistent round.
Teera Sritrakul achieved a double victory, finishing as Winner, Nett Class C (Girls) and also claiming the Overall Girls Trophy.
Both golfers demonstrated steady play throughout the event and represented the school with distinction.
Patana Students Move in to Third Place in Bangkok Chess Championship
By Jennyfer Hwamei Ho, Parent
Thirteen Bangkok Patana students participated in the 3rd King’s College Bangkok Chess Championship held on February 8th 2026.
This is a highly anticipated tournament with a record 275 participants from international schools in and outside of Thailand ranging from under 18s Open FIDE rated category to under 7s.
Amidst such high standards of chess competition, Bangkok Patana emerged 3rd place for the award of ‘Overall School Team Performance’ out of approximately 40 international schools.
Another notable award received was the individual award whereby three of our primary students managed two 1st Runner-up and one 5th Place award out of 275 individual participants.
‘U10’s 1st Runner-up Individual Award’ with a 5 out of 6 points win goes to Song Yuzhe, Year 5 and another ‘U8’s 1st Runner-up Individual Award’ with also a 5 out of 6 points win goes to Hayden Liew, Year 2 and a ‘U8’s 5th Place Individual Award with a strong 4.5 points goes to Li Muchen, Year 3.
The Heat Index, or “feels-like temperature,” is the temperature the body actually experiences. It is calculated based on the air […]
School Announcements
Term 3 School Fees
Invoices for school fee for Term 3-25/26 were issued on 18th February 2026. If you have not received your invoice, please contact the Accounting Department or send an email to accounts@patana.ac.th Please note that the payment due date is 20th March 2026. Payments received after this date will incur a late payment charge of 1% per month.
Important: Certificate of Enrolment and Visa Documentation Requests for Songkran Break
If you require documentation from the school to support visa applications or extensions over the Songkran break, please request this as soon as possible. To do so, kindly complete the online request form via the Parents’ Gateway: Document Request from Admissions.
Please note that we require at least 3 working days to process these requests. The final date to request certified letters or documentation for visa extensions is Monday 30th March 2026.
Kindly be aware that no requests can be processed between 4th – 19th April 2026. The Admissions Office will be open to support new requests starting from 20th April 2026.
Monitoring the School Bus via GPS Application
Parents are kindly reminded to monitor their child’s bus journey through the GPS application. Please check the “Travelling to School” status for the morning trip and “Travelling Home” status for the afternoon trip in the application. These indicate that the bus is heading directly to the school in the morning and has departed from the school in the afternoon. The estimated time of arrival (ETA) will be displayed and updated accordingly in the app.
For real-time tracking, parents may click the Google Maps icon in the application to view the bus’s live location.
Figure 1: Morning Trip – “Traveling to School” status
Figure 2: Afternoon Trip – “Travelling Home” status
Should you experience any issues with the tracking system, please contact us at transport@patana.ac.th
