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ISR farewells exchange
students
The ISR Student Exchange Programme is once again up and
running and proving to be every bit as successful as it has been in the
past. The school recently said farewell to three young Australians who had
enjoyed a six-week stay at ISR.
 ISR
says farewell to Australian exchange students Mathew Reiffel, Anita
Lysenko and Max Elson John.
Year 10 students Anita Lysenko, Max Elson John and
Mathew Reiffel returned to Mowbray College, Australia with fond memories
of a school that gave them a valuable learning experience as well as a
host of new friends.
“The students at ISR have been very friendly and
helpful - which helped us settle in really well,” said Max.
All three agreed that their stay at ISR was a very
pleasant one and particularly enjoyed the boarding environment, which was
a new experience for them.
Matthew expressed the hope that the link between ISR
and Mowbray College would continue. “I believe that all students would
benefit enormously,” he commented.
The Headmaster of ISR, Mr Simon Leslie, is very proud
of how all the students involved have responded, and remains enthusiastic
about the programme, saying, “I am pleased that we are able to provide
students with such a valuable experience along with the opportunity to
broaden their horizons and learn about other cultures.”
Meanwhile, ISR is preparing to receive more youngsters
as part of this on-going scheme, whilst at the same time locating places
within Australian schools for its own students.
International Evening At
GIS
Garden International School recently celebrated the start
of the new academic year by holding an International Evening. Parents were
invited to join staff and students for a “Pot Luck” supper at school,
and by the time all the guests had arrived, over one hundred and fifty
dishes and deserts had been laid out in banquet style.
 Over
150 dishes and deserts were laid out banquet style for the Garden
International School’s International Evening “Pot Luck” supper.
Everyone was overawed, not only by the splendid response
but also by the eclectic range of food that truly demonstrated the
international diversity of the student population at Garden International
School.
The evening gave everyone a chance to mingle together,
marvel at the food and meet with parents and staff alike. This also proved
to be a wonderful opportunity for new staff to introduce themselves to
parents. An International evening seemed only appropriate this year as
Garden International welcomes several new teachers into its ranks from all
around the world.
After everyone was full to the brim, the atmosphere
became very mellow and relaxed. It was then the turn of Principle Kenneth
Sly to lead events. After welcoming all back after the summer, he then
seized the opportunity to formally introduce the new staff members.
After this address, however, and almost in uproar as to
what had been said, Miss Priddle abandoned her post at the bar and took
command of the PA system. Internationally acclaimed as the Queen of Music
Quizzes, this mistress of 1970s disco and rock n’ roll raised the tempo.
The evening drew to a close as one by one, the dancing
couples began to tire. Everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly, and we are
expecting a repeat of the same elated atmosphere at the forthcoming GIS
Music Quiz.
Team building through
adventure at St. Andrews
By Michael Williams
A great day was had by all when the pupils of St.
Andrews International School visited the Banchang YMCA recently. The focus
of the visit was to build upon the positive team spirit that the pupils
have been showing this term. Through using the expertise of Khun Jo Jo,
the chief instructor, a day of challenging activities was planned.
 Hold
on tight, here I come
The pupils in each group ranged from Year 3 to Year 8
including the students from the Dutch school. Each group had boys and
girls and a mix of nationalities so their first challenge was to overcome
these differences and “gel” as teams. The effortless manner in which
all teams achieved this was a lesson to us all. Within minutes of starting
wall climbing, the first activity, words of encouragement could be heard
all around and whether or not pupils reached the top they found themselves
being applauded on their descent.
The tower was the next venue and two of the day’s
most exciting activities were practiced here: the “Flying Fox” and
abseiling. Nerve, bravery and determination were needed in abundance to
make it to the top of the tower. Once there, however, the calming presence
of Mr. Dick from the Dutch school combined with the experience of the
instructor removed the anxiety from the pupil’s faces. Within seconds of
safely reaching ground level the question on every child’s lips was
“Can I have another go?” And yes, the teachers had a go, too!
 Hanging
in there
After a relaxing and enjoyable lunch we moved on to the
“rope bridge”. Pupils had to ease their way across a ravine using just
two ropes - one for the feet and one for the hands Every pupil that tried
this succeeded, to rapturous applause from those that had gone before, and
could testify to the difficulty of the task. Yours Truly made the mistake
of underestimating the crossing and paid the price within about five
overconfident paces. I was soon testing the safety harness as I hung
upside-down and waited for the laughter to ease and someone to come to my
assistance.
After a spell at the canoeing lake it was time to
return to school. Plans are already being made for St. Andrews to return
in the near future. If we keep encouraging the pupils to work together and
share regardless of age, gender and nationality then the atmosphere of
happiness that already pervades the school can only strengthen.
RVYC Optimists are
back on the water
With the summer holidays over the junior sailing at the
Royal Varuna Yacht Club recently got their sailing year underway, with a
weekend of activities both on and off the water.
 The
“Opti gang” with Chris, front row 3rd from left, at the farewell
dinner hosted by his parents.
RVYC welcomed back Samantha Hamilton, an ex-opti sailor
up on holiday from Australia. Along with that came a goodbye. Chris Kelly,
a long time junior sailor at the club is moving to New Zealand. Chris has
represented RVYC in two Optimist National Championships in Thailand and
has turned up for all weekends and other activities. He, his family and
the support they’ve given the junior sailing at RVYC will be much
missed.
Out on the water the young sailors fought currents and
unpredictable winds in the four race Monsoon series. Overall winner was
Virginie Lacrosse. Younger brother Will Hamilton managed to let his sister
beat him into second, while he hung on grimly to take third place by one
point from Chris. But watch out for those rapidly improving beginners.
Anyone interested in the junior sailing programme at
RVYC please contact the club at 250-116 or Linden Phanpho at 411-452 for
information.
Copyright 2000 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
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Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected] |
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