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Garden International School hosts literary and musical extravaganza

New Burapha University president begins term

Blind students honor teachers at Redemptorist School

St. Andrews International School, Green Valley showcases two evenings of theater

Garden International School hosts literary and musical extravaganza

A scene from the 4S news commercial “Shampoo of Perfection”.

Little ones sing their hearts out to an appreciative audience.

Janette Bagsic

The audience was wowed by Garden International School primary students as they performed their Summer Concert on June 23, 2010. The show focused not only on music but also on literacy, treating the onlookers to a fantastic afternoon of entertainment.

The year 4 students, under the tutelage of Mr. Niresh Sivarajah, received the highest praise from the audience, who were so amused with Peter Beakely who performed a brilliant commercial on ‘Shampoo of Perfection’. The supporting cast added to the excitement with their own creation of the daily news titled ‘The 4S News’.

Other highlights of the show were the songs ‘Don’t Worry’, ‘A Whole New World’ and ‘The Gypsy Rover’ performed by Years 4 and 5. The children sang their hearts out, making the songs adorable and captivating; giving the audience goose bumps.

On the theatrical side, Year 6 presented the Greek Mythological story of Medusa in 3 entertaining minutes. There were a few moments of laughter and fun when younger students asked teachers and parents about space after having presented their show on ‘Space, the Final Frontier’. It was a moment which reminded everyone that we are not smarter than any 5th grader!

Overall, it was indeed a literary and musical extravaganza! You can never underestimate the talents of the future generation as they all performed with such enthusiasm and confidence.

Each show keeps the audience at the edge of their seats.

Laughter and fun when students asked teachers and parents about space after having presented their show on ‘Space, the Final Frontier’.

The youngsters perform to an adoring audience.


New Burapha University president begins term

Theerarak Suthathiwong

The president of Burapha University handed over the reigns to his successor in a position-transfer ceremony June 15.

Dr. Suchart Upatham (right), retiring president of Burapha University congratulates Dr. Sompol Pongsomthai (left), Burapha University’s new president.

Dr. Suchart Upatham, who announced his retirement earlier this year, handed over power to new rector Dr. Sompol Pongsomthai. Lecturers and guests joined to offer congratulations.

Sompol actually was selected as the new president in March and his appointment was confirmed by HM the King later that month. This month marked the formal ceremony and the start of Sompol’s retirement.

The new president used the occasion to lay out some plans for the future and emphasized the importance of good employee relations.


Blind students honor teachers at Redemptorist School

Vimolrat Singnikorn

Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind kicked off its 22nd academic year with the traditional wai khru ceremony in which students pay respect to their teachers for the upcoming term.

Student representatives present flowers and trays of candles and joss sticks to pay respect to their teachers and school leaders.

The school’s students, teachers and assistants met June 24 - a Thursday, as that is the day for Brihaspati, the Vedic god of wisdom and teachers - to perform the wai khru, which is done in most Thai educational institutes at the start of each year.

Jakrapong Suwanrasmi, deputy director of Chonburi Education Service Area Office 3 and Rev. Peter Srivorakul, president of the Redemptorist Center in Pattaya, co-hosted the ceremony. Principal Aurora Sribuapun opened the day with a welcoming speech.

The ceremony began with a Buddhist prayer, followed by the students’ recitation of the wai khru chant, which expresses respect and gratitude for the teachers and asks for their blessing of the students’ studies. A number of students then presented teachers with a tray of candles, incense and flowers symbolizing sharp wit and respect.

Following the presentation, teachers reciprocated by offering the students guidance for their academic careers and presented awards for good discipline, prominence in sports and kindheartedness.

Founded by Father Raymond Brenan in May 1987, the school was renamed Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind Under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in June 2004. Principal Aurora Sribuapun said the school serves students ages 3-20 with all degrees of blindness.

Aurora said the school is continuing to grow, with two new buildings under construction. One is 90 percent complete but work on the other has stalled due to lack of funds. The school this year moved into vocational training and now has a license to take up to 250 students, she said.

Kindergarteners perform a lovely “Doi Tao” dance during the ceremonies.


St. Andrews International School, Green Valley showcases two evenings of theater

Galatee Cabanne as Little Bo Peep
in the Humpty Dumpty production.

Dharmick Patel as the Duke of York.

Matt Walker as Humpty Dumpty.

Jenissa Scott as the Judge.

Tristan Baker as Old King Cole.

Tomas Williams poses on the red carpet
at the premier of Small Town Secrets.

Olive Weeks enjoys
 the paparazzi blitz.

Tony Lee is interviewed
by Pattaya Mail TV.

Jade Harrison hams it up
for Pattaya Mail TV.

Myles Wilkensen and Greig Grant
pose for adoring fans.

Chris Parsons

Last month was a busy one for the St. Andrews Primary Department as it presented two very unique theatrical experiences: an unconventional stage rendition of “Humpty Dumpty” and the school’s first ever motion picture premiere of “Small Town Secrets.” Both events were performed to sold-out audiences and were a testament to the growing Primary Drama Department that has captured the interest of the community and elevated the performing arts platform to young students of all ages!

Audiences ‘Eggsplode’ with ‘Eggcitement’ over Humpty Dumpty production

Children from Years One and Two presented their musical drama extravaganza entitled “Humpty Dumpty - Was He Pushed or Did He Fall?” on June 2nd and 3rd.

Kim Soonfueng as Mother Hubbard.

This all-new adventure based on the stories of many well-loved fairytale characters took an enjoyable judicial look at how Mister Dumpty fell off the wall. The magical musical (complete with eight catchy and clever songs) was set in a courtroom and introduced children to the world of law and order - as a Plaintiff, a Judge, a Jury and Witnesses - were all presented!

This version of Humpty Dumpty also showcased a social commentary on acceptance and understanding, as it left audience members with the meaningful morals of unconditional friendship and enduring forgiveness.

Red Carpet gala premiere of “Small Town Secrets” puts Hollywood to shame

Student actors of mixed ages gussied up in formal dress and strutted their stuff down the Red Carpet at St. Andrew’s very first movie premiere on June 17th!

Duke of York’s Brigade.

As the sweet smell of popcorn wafted through the entranceway, over 140 eager audience members awaited the star-studded entrance and sat on the edge of their seats as “Small Town Secrets” presented a m้lange of drama, comedy and adventure.

The movie’s plot centered around Detective Willa Cruz (Olive Weeks) who was desperate to find a puppy stolen from her niece, little Virginia (Clare McKay). Grim Stubbins (Myles Wilkenson), a notorious criminal was on the loose. Did he steal the valuable puppy and rob the local jewelry store? Could Willa’s brother Avery (Tomas Williams) be of any help - or was he too busy running for re-election?

Audience members had to keep their eyes peeled on newspaper headlines written by reporter Clay Carter, to help them try and guess the ending!

St. Andrews Primary Drama Department plans for the future

With six major Primary Drama Productions on the schedule for the next academic year, St. Andrews International School, Green Valley is quickly becoming a leader in the education of performing arts.

Pattaya Players representatives come out to support the event.

Included in this line up is the newly created annual drama competition “St. Andrews Student Spotlight” (SASS) which will take place on March 19, 2011. The concept behind the event is to raise the profile of drama in area schools and will endeavor to invite students from international schools around the country to participate.

Workshops, competitions, a professional theatrical presentation and an over-all celebration of performing arts in general will entertain, inspire and inform Primary school children participants. Further details can be found at www.sassdramafestival.info.