Traditional costumes are worn
by many students.
Alicia Warner
The flags were out, the stage was up and the food stalls were prepared -
International Day returned on March 29th at The Regent’s School Pattaya for
another year, upholding the school’s tradition of multinational and cultural
celebration.
International Day 2013 saw the return of many events that have taken place
before, but always with a slight twist. Though the event is the same, as the
school community grows and changes it always remains exciting as the number
of nationalities that make up our student body expands. This year, 54
different countries were proudly represented.
The Parade of Nations saw a sea of vibrant colours wash over the central
stage and continue around the Oval in the form of national flags and
traditional national costumes from everywhere ranging from South Korea to
South Africa.
The school exploded with life as parents, students and staff participated in
many other events of the day, consisting of a fashion show, World Cup
football tournament, drama and musical performances, art exhibitions and, of
course, the much anticipated international cafe. A wholly justified
anticipation as the cafe continued to meet expectations by providing
flavours to please every pallet, from the spices of India to British baking.
Older and younger students are
brought together.
All nations met and shared facts that made their nations
interesting by decorating their country rooms with trinkets, traditional
objects and photographs. The aim was to feel as if they were entering the
country itself when each visitor entered and received a country stamp in
their international day passports.
Despite the hot afternoon, the World Cup took place with 20 teams
participating. It was won by the combined skills of Nepal and Afghanistan,
earning them the International Day World Cup trophy.
Finally, with the combined warmth of both Thailand’s approaching summer and
the community atmosphere, it was unsurprising to learn that visitors were
also feeling especially generous as over 200,000 baht was raised by the
sales of International Day bands and bags. This amount also includes just
over 47,000 baht that was raised by the Early Years painting auction. This
will all go towards the Round Square Special Projects fund which will
ultimately help the Community Partners.
One of our youngest performers
on the world stage.
Principal Mike Walton (left)
in traditional dress with students.
A student taking part in
improvised drama.
Korean students perform a dance.
Afghanistan and Nepal have won the
World Cup!
Confectionary baked by British
mums is a big hit on the day.
An Early Years student performs
well in the international fashion show.
This young man proudly represents
his home, Afghanistan, in the Parade of Nations.
Signs and flags are held high in
the parade of nations.
Sometimes the flags need adjusting.
Mums are happy and on hand to help.
Beautiful young women proudly wear traditional
Japanese clothing.
A trio of GIS girls performed at
the MAD night.
Mark Beales
Photos by Ritche Guisona
Garden International School (GIS) was packed for a special night of
Music, Art and Drama (MAD).
The evening featured displays of artwork in a gallery-style setting, several
drama sketches and performances from across the musical spectrum.
The audience was first given complimentary glasses of wine, then mingled and ate
snacks while ambient music was provided by students Peter, Reha, Benjamin,
HyoJung, Jun Beom, Anushka, Pauline and Ben B.
The GIS jazz band.
At 7.40pm the concert began with the school orchestra
performing a piece by Mozart, followed by a dramatic ‘Witches’ sketch from Year
7. The Butterfly Waltz was adroitly performed by Sarah and HyoJung, then came a
Year 8 skit called Mad Cows.
Garden’s star singers, Praw, Trisha and Sarah, took to the stage to perform ‘You
Can Drive a Person Crazy’ before a performance by the school jazz band. The
first half ended with a stellar performance by the school choir of Queen’s
Bohemian Rhapsody. After a short break, rock and pop songs filled the hall,
including Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer and One Way. Thanks to the Music, Art
and Drama departments and everyone else involved in this hugely successful
event.
GIS is based in Ban Chang near Pattaya.
A GIS student rocks the house.
Year 7 students displayed their
guitar wizardry.
The Year 8 girls put on a great
performance.
These taste great! Young visitors
enjoy the snacks.
Year 7 students from GIS doing
their ‘Witches’ sketch.
An IB student (right) discusses
her art work with a visitor.
The very useful bus.
William Macey
It is always something to look forward to, a visit to the Camillian
Social Centre in Bang Chang. The one thing you can guarantee when you visit the
centre is a warm, friendly welcome from Father Peter, his staff and all the
children and this year’s bi-annual visit by Pattaya Sports Club was no
exception.
The Camillian have 65 children who, through no fault of their own, now live with
HIV and, until a cure is discovered, are dependent on the many drugs, taken
daily, for the rest of their lives. The staff take great care of the children
and when you visit you come away with a good feeling knowing that the children
have found a loving home and will be able to live a near normal life.
The diapers have arrived.
A big problem at the moment is financial. Many charities that
receive donations from abroad have to wrestle, daily, with this headache for the
worldwide financial downtown and the drop in exchange rates involving currencies
in Europe and America has resulted in reduced income levels of approximately
35%. Economies must be made and new areas of financial support must be found but
the welfare of the children is always the first priority.
The lovely Khun New.
Normally at this time of the year, PSC would purchase sufficient cotton to
enable them to make bedding for the children but the cotton was not required on
this occasion. Instead, a large drain on finances is the purchase of adult
diapers. Yes, I said diapers. So off we went to Macro in ‘the Camillian bus’ and
a lengthy spell of negotiations took place with the management, following which,
Macro were left with no stocks of adult diapers. We could not have managed
without the services of Jimmy, who has been at the Camillian for 2 years and can
speak Thai, for he demanded and obtained from Macro, discounts which enable us
to buy a bus full of diapers and still had some funds to purchase some rice
which is in short supply at the moment.
Back to the centre where a simple but welcome lunch was
served, photos taken and the end of another trip to the Camillian Social Centre.
If you feel that you can help in any way, please contact William at PSC, tel.
086 1522754; or telephone Father Peter direct at 038665202. You will always be
guaranteed a warm welcome.
Visitors are always welcome at
Camillian.
The rice is not only for eating.
