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The Regent’s School scoops first prize in service fair

More than 200 take part in English language project

The Regent’s School scoops first prize in service fair

International Round Square Conference 2005, Ivanhoe Grammar School, Melbourne

Paul Crouch

Eight delegates represented both the Regent’s Pattaya and Bangkok campuses at the International Round Square Conference in Melbourne at the end of September. The delegation consisted of five students and three staff, who spent the week being hosted by the Ivanhoe Grammar School, in what was an extremely active and thought provoking programme. The theme for the conference was MP05 (www.MP05.org), Meeting Place 2005. Delegates were challenged to discuss the growing issues of cultural differences and intolerances, and how understanding these can be addressed through the increasing development in technologies.

Regent’s students and staff at MP05 in Melbourne.

The three speakers at the conference spoke with great passion on their different experiences and what it meant to them to be an Australian. A lawyer described how he had fought for fairer treatment of asylum seekers and the controversial role of Australia’s detention centres. The second spoke of his role in an aboriginal community school as the headmaster, attempting to inspire the children to be proud of their heritage and to be both “smart and strong”, with equal opportunity to higher education and potential as future leaders. The third set of speakers was a panel of four. Each one had sought asylum in Australia, each a success story despite the hardships they had endured.

King Constantine of Greece with Regent’s students and staff.

It was great to hear the many different views and to learn so much about Australia as a truly multicultural nation. There were heated debates; each of the 60 Round Square schools are represented at this conference, covering all six continents. Many issues were uncovered that were similar, both across different cultures but also at different scales. The student leaders from the Ivanhoe School issued final statements at the closing ceremony and each delegation was encouraged to return back to their countries and school communities to further the discussion.

King Constantine of Greece with Regent’s students.

Present at the conference were Prince Andrew, the duke of York, King Constantine of Greece and His son Prince Nicholas.

Other highlights of the week included an adventure day and a service day. Adventure activities that could be undertaken included: surfing, rock climbing, scenic flights, bush art and kayaking. The service day comprised of environmental and social projects within the Melbourne area.

Much interest was generated around the Regent’s School service booth.

The week ended with a service fair where each of the 60 Round Square schools was encouraged to display the service work undertaken within their school community in the last academic year. This was an excellent opportunity for the Regent’s to inform the other schools of their three main service projects: Tsunami Relief, AIDS awareness and the Hill Tribe service project. Much interest was generated around the service booth and a large number of other Round Square schools enquired about the possibilities of joining in with the Regent’s on their service projects.

The Regent’s won a wooden plaque for service in Round Square.

At the end of the afternoon prizes were awarded for the schools who had impressed most at the service fair, with the Regent’s taking first prize, a beautifully hand carved wooden platypus. Great recognition for all the service work the Regent’s students have participated in over the last year.

The Regent’s School is firmly established as a role model of Round Square IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmental awareness. Adventure, Leadership and Service). (www. regents.ac.th)


More than 200 take part in English language project

Chatchanan Chaisree

A special camp focusing on English language communication skills, particularly where they can help support tourism in the region, was conducted at the Singsamut School Gymnasium in Sattahip and presided over by Rewet Pollok-In, vice-chairman of the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization.

Students show off what they’ve learned with a stage performance.

The project was organized in response to plans by the Chonburi education department to support and develop English knowledge for students. It took place over a five-day period, from October 19-23, with 28 Thai and foreign lecturers from Sukhumvit Suksa School taking classes.

On the last night, students performed on stage.

Over 200 students from throughout Chonburi attended the camp as well as officers from the Chonburi administrative provincial organization and Singsamut School. Acting second lieutenant of the education department Prasai Sukpiti said the department financed the project under a 590,900 baht budget.

Most of the activities organized by the lecturers centered around communicating with foreigners as well as general knowledge activities covering Europe, Australia and Asia. Students learned how to live together with friends from different places and how to communicate directly with English native speakers.

On the last night of the event the lecturers organized fun activities such as English language games, songs and quizzes.

A native English speaking lecturer teaches English to eager students.