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Regent’s Conquers the 2010 Loy Krathong Festival
“The
first performance of the day was by a local Thai school, their hands so
elegantly curved, rhythmically moving to the beat of the song.”
Brittany Tang Yr10
Regent’s interpretation of the traditional Loy Krathong
Festival was a success with an international flare!
On Tuesday November 16th the Regent’s society, alongside
parents, teachers and community partners gathered on campus to celebrate the
Loy Krathong Festival. Renowned for its grave significance amidst the Thai
culture, Loy Krathong marks a period each year when thanks can be given.
The day commenced with a stroll around Regent’s Oval.
Each pupil was dressed in traditional Thai attire and was led to the beat of
drums performed by Regent’s community partners. Stalls of food lined the
perimeter, each displaying an array of exquisite delights, whilst the
mouthwatering aromas of banana crepes and carbonated drinks were distinctly
present.
Regent’s had taken a communal approach to the event
deliberately incorporating their international flare to such an influential
culture. The first performance of the day was by a local Thai school, their
hands so elegantly curved, rhythmically moving to the beat of the song. Both
the primary and secondary schools were represented during the celebration.
Each house presented a dance. Pupils of all years gathered to commend one
another and provide support.
“Around
noon, all guests were directed
to the pool where krathongs were being floated.”
Individual representatives from both the lower and upper
years of Regent’s competed in a Noppamas competition, modified for the
benefit of Thailand’s flood victims. I had been given the honour of
representing my house in the contest, and I truly believe that participating
in the festival in this way enhanced the experience that much more for me.
As an international student, this festival had been virtually nonexistent
before; however, after being at Regent’s, I’d be foolish not to carry the
tradition on.
The winners were determined by the quantity of dried food
each representative accumulated. All funds were donated to Thailand’s flood
victims, and were then delivered with other items to the affected region two
days later.
Loy Krathong continued with even more performances, each
further contributing to the spirit of the festival. Around noon, all guests
were directed to the pool where krathongs were being floated. They typically
consist vibrantly colored flowers, banana leaves, candles, incense and are
generally a means of asking for forgiveness and luck in the upcoming months.
“The day was a complete success, I enjoyed every minute,”
exclaimed Tina Hurst, a relative attending the bustling event. Her statement
had been exact; the Regent’s School had once again triumphed in hosting yet
another year of Loy Krathong! From an outward perspective, the day proved
greatly significant and while children began to change from their costumes
and local schools filed back onto their busses, we all basked in the serene
essence of the Thai culture.
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Year 5 students from St Andrews are learning
to care about endangered species
Chris Parsons, Year 5
teacher at St Andrews School
Year Five students enjoyed a three-day, two night
excursion to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Sriracha. The purpose behind this field
trip was to provide the children with a “hands on” experience interacting
with animals and bio-diversity experts.
Creating animal masks.
Building upon their knowledge of endangered species and
causes of extinction, the 37 nine and ten-year-olds were involved in a wide
array of activities including (but not limited to) multiple zoo tours, a
night safari, animal preservation team activities, a tree-top ropes course
and an elephant trek!
Armed with an already increasing sense of personal
responsibility and a desire to make a difference, Year Five students
strengthened their resolve to help become part of the solution to global
species endangerment.
Upon their departure from the zoo, students learned to
appreciate the majesty of nature, internalized the need for personal
accountability and came together to experience the power of group
persuasion. This hands-on interaction in conjunction with their Endangered
Species Unit Study will guide them towards learning to care; laying the
foundation for future empathy and action towards global change - and
hopefully, future preservation of currently endangered species.
Experience the natural environment.
Flying
through the trees like a gibbon.
Getting
close to the animals.
Preparing the food for the animals.
Learning
about the rhinos.
It’s
time for bananas.
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Rosy results for Hard Rock’s ‘Pinktober’ charity drive
(L
to R) Roland Nicholich, assistant general manager of Hard Rock Cafe
Phuket; Panta Cheidech. director of sales and marketing for Hard Rock
Cafe Phuket; Matthew Carlos, manager of the Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya; Sita
Vonkhoporn, PR & marketing for Hard Rock Cafe Bangkok; Nualprang
Varongkriengkrai, sales & marketing for Hard Rock Cafe Bangkok; and
Manussawad Kesboonchu, manager of the Thanyarak Breast Cancer Foundation
display the funds raised during the charity drive.
Phasakorn Channgam
Officials from the Hard Rock Cafe in Pattaya, Bangkok
and Phuket are blushing with pride over their annual ‘Pinktober’
celebration, which this year raised more than 130,000 baht for breast
cancer research.
Manussawad Kesboonchu, breast cancer manager from the Thanyarak Breast
Cancer Foundation says thank you to the Hard Rock Cafe.
The charity funds came from a number of sources,
including the auction of a frame featuring 30 limited-edition Pinktober
pins and bearing the signature of pop star Burin Boonvisut, which raised
20,000 baht. The company also donated proceeds from Pinktober pins,
special beverages and pink-themed rooms at the Hard Rock Hotel.
This was the 11th year the Hard Rock has run its
worldwide Pinktober campaign to raise money for breast cancer charities.
In Thailand, this year’s partner was the Thanyarak Breast Cancer
Foundation.
Guests and management pose for a commemorative photo
at the conclusion of the successful charity drive.
It’s
a rockin good time at the celebration.
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Garden International School host 5th Annual Diwali Event
Primary students Hemakshi Prabhu, Shilpi Dhar and Sonal Rao show
movements on Indian classical dance.
Janette Oracion
On Friday 12th November a little bit of India came to
Garden International School, Rayong, in celebration of Diwali, the
Festival of Lights.
The
audience was entertained by vibrant moves of Indian dances.
The stage gleamed with golden garlands, the guests
donned colourful Indian dress and the sound of drums echoed through the
air.
Hundreds of guests were treated to a spectacular
evening of dinner, music and dance. The evening began with a spiritual
prayer, in which staff, students and parents joined together to sing for
prosperity and luck. Vibrant acts entertained our guests as they sat
down to enjoy a feast of Indian food provided by the parents of GIS and
Indian by Nature Restaurant, Pattaya.
Earlier in the day, our primary students were treated
to a host of cultural workshops led by some of the parents and IB
students. The students enjoyed making divas and lanterns, playing
cricket, learning Indian dance, and decorating their hands with Henna.
Shilpi Dhar in Year 6 captivates the audience with her solo dance
performance.
Sawarkar Aastha, Chauddhary Ojas, and Baldwa Hansika perform elegantly.
A
group of secondary students keep the show going with their Indian modern
dance.
Parents make rangoli.
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