A Rose in Full Bloom

YWCA Warm Family project holds “Family Adoration Day” activity

Shop till you drop - PILC and Street Kids at Carrefour

Chiang Rai school fuelled by elephant dung

118 students celebrate graduation from Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational College

A Rose in Full Bloom

Andrew Watson

A proud Australian, Anne Prendiville has been one of the major figures in local and regional education for the last ten years. Hugely experienced, a fountain of knowledge, gushing with enthusiasm, it was my pleasure to meet and speak with her for the first time in many months.

Anne Prendiville: “Happy to enjoy the support of students, parents and staff.”

AW: Anne, it’s an absolute pleasure to see you again. Can you say a little about your experiences in regional education?

AP: I was Vice Principal and then Principal for two years at the International School of Pattaya. I’ve been Head of Special Education Needs (SEN) and History at Garden International School (GIS) for the past seven years.

AW: Your CV is very impressive. You have degrees in English Literature and History and Classics and apart from your mandatory teaching qualification, you also have a Diploma in SEN. Small wonder then, at your consistently brilliant work! What is your view of the role of SEN in international schools in the 21st century?

AP: Extremely important. At a SEN conference last year I was amazed at the demand there is now. SEN departments look at children with learning difficulties, at gifted and talented students as well as students with physical difficulties. EAL students might also come under the SEN umbrella.

AW: So SEN plays a critical role in a school. And this is recognized, is it not, by the SEN code of practice?

AP: Oh yes. The UK SEN code of practice has been passed by parliament and consists of articles which bind schools to certain codes of conduct.

AW: So would you expect an international school following a UK Curriculum and offering SEN to follow that code of practice and place SEN at the centre of its educational provision?

AP: Oh quite definitely. The code of practice recommends that the SEN Coordinator (SENCO) should be a member of the senior management team.

AW: That makes perfect sense. Anne, in light of your vast experience of leadership, what do you think are the necessary qualities for leading an international school? (Anne was also Vice-Principal of a school in Australia)

AP: In international schools, a leader must demonstrate understanding of and an appreciation for, the culture where she is living and the cultures around her. I don’t mean a superficial understanding, which might include cursory gestures to other cultures. Knowledge of global politics is essential. You have to deal with many different kinds of situation so it’s no use embedding yourself in or clinging to your own culture. You must be well read – not only on educational philosophy. You must be an outstanding orator. Personal presentation is paramount. Dealing with many different staff, customs, and nationalities requires a diverse, flexible and intelligent approach, based on respect for another person’s position. The alternative – tunnel vision – means trouble. In short, personal integrity, built upon a strong educational background and a broad range of experience.

AW: You have political science and philosophy in your degree?

AP: Yes and I’ve always drawn on them. You really need to and you need to be able to. By the way, schools are for the students, not the administration.

AW: Point taken. I know that you have been prominent in raising the profile of the student council by affirming them and empowering them to take the initiative – a position endorsed by Professor George Walker, director general of the IBO, who advocates a leading role for students in the management of their school.

AP: Student empowerment should be part of a school’s philosophy.

AW: What are some of the problems and solutions in international schools?

AP: Recruitment and retainment of staff is a problem. Cronyism should be avoided at all costs because this can lead to cliques, which exclude a proportion of the staff and leads to division.

AW: But can you not rely on external authorisation bodies or internal audits to maintain integrity within an institution?

AP: As long as they are aware of what’s going on, but in theory it’s quite easy for administrators to hide issues if they want.

AW: I’m going to embarrass you now, Anne. When you ask a GIS student who their favourite teacher is, they invariably respond, “Miss Prendiville”. What is it about you that students appreciate so much?

AP: You have embarrassed me! I think I respect students and I respect their point of view. I’ve always said that I don’t mind what your point of view is as long as you can back it with facts. Maybe they realize that I respect them as people. I give my time to them willingly and they come to me. I’m honest, open and professional.

AW: Would you expect to see these qualities throughout a school?

AP: Well I think that’s what students want as well.

AW: A course like the IB Diploma encourages students to be critical and question what they’re taught, doesn’t it?

AP: I have always taught that all opinions are valuable and valid. I think it’s true that students rarely experience this in all areas of a school. For instance, we do a great deal of historiography which means that students read about something like totalitarianism and are quick to identify aspects of dictatorship around them.

AW: What gives you the strength to be such a high quality teacher over a long period of time?

AP: The kids keep me going. I share their energy. If you cut yourself off from students, you really have no ‘reason for being’ as a teacher. They keep me young!

AW: I suppose the alternative is to be as Dylan sang, “Too Dead for Dreaming”?

AP: Exactly. When this happens students will have no respect for you. When there’s no respect there, you should give it up.

AW: I imagine Anne that in the short history of GIS, you must be the most profound and positive influence the school has enjoyed? You are an example for others to follow, and to keep following.

AP: You’re embarrassing me again. I am happy to enjoy the support of students, parents and staff.

AW: Thank you, Anne.

YWCA Warm Family project holds “Family Adoration Day” activity

Scholarships presented to local pupils

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn presided over the opening of “Family Adoration Day”, which was organized by YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya, headed by Nitaya Patimasongkroh, president of the Warm Family project, Malinee Sarimarn, administrative president of YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya, and many VIP’s from various Pattaya organizations who support scholarships for needy children.

Wanwisa Chaisuoy said, “On behalf of all the students who received scholarships, I want to thank those who so generously donate to this project.”

The event was held in the Grand Hall of Mike Shopping Mall on November 23. Over 347 teachers and students from Pattaya schools attended along with members of the Elementary Education Department.

Addressing the group, Malinee said, “The Warm Family project is the main project of the association, and was established in 1990. This event honors Her Royal Highness Princess Theprattanaratchasuda’s 3rd cycle anniversary in 1991. Its purpose is to help underprivileged children who have no support for education. In this way we can help reduce the gap between these kids and others who are more fortunate. We also provide warmth and affection to these deserving children who are marginalized in society.”

“Family Adoration Day” enjoyed a great turnout of students and benefactors.

Malinee added, “This event responds to the government’s policies for underprivileged children to gain an education, stay away from all drugs, and grow up to be good citizens. The project has been generously supported by kindhearted people who donate 1,500 baht per child per year for scholarships. For the year 2004, the Warm Family Project has 120 supporters.”

On the day, 347 scholarships were presented to students from Pattaya’s 10 schools, 32 schools under the Chonburi Education Department in Section 3, and 3 schools under the Elementary Education Department. There were additional scholarships donated by organizations and official departments in Pattaya totaling 520,500 baht. Honorary shields were also handed out for all activities supported by the association.

Later, students entertained the gathering with special shows including Thai dance, a music review and songs to show appreciation to their generous sponsors.

After the show, Mayor Niran praised the project. “This ongoing project is of great value to our community because it addresses the importance of education for children from poor families. These kids are bright and deserve a chance to reach their potential so they can contribute to society. The project also provides love and attention to children who are living in poverty, and shows them people really care about them.”

Later a scholarship-awarding ceremony was held for the old scholarship receivers and the new, including giving additional scholarships to the students donated by many organizations including the Pattaya Sports Club led by club president Jerry Carpenter, who donated 130 scholarships, the Pattaya International Ladies Club led by club president Sharon Tibbits, who donated 30 scholarships, Taksin Rotary Club in Pattaya led by Dieter Precourt, former club president, who donated 21 scholarships, Chin Sirimas who donated 10 scholarships, and Somchai-Khun Kalaya Suksombun who also donated 10 scholarships.

Wanwisa Chaisuoy, a student in the primary education class level 3 from Ban Thoung Klom School, represented all the students receiving scholarships by thanking those who support the project. She said, “On behalf of all the students who received scholarships, I want to thank those who so generously donate to this project. We students all realize the charitable service the association performs for us. If we didn’t have scholarships we would have troubled lives, and may not be able to continue our education in the future. I promise that we will study hard and will always be good children for our supportive parents.”

Shop till you drop - PILC and Street Kids at Carrefour

Around 120 children from the Street Kids’ center met up with volunteers from PILC for an annual shopping trip, held this year at Carrefour on Pattaya Klang, over four evenings last week.

Daniel Merendet (center), Carrefour general manager posed with the children and gave them all presents.

The children came in groups of around 30 each evening, accompanied by the Sisters from the Redemptorist Centre, and the PILC ladies toured around the store with them. It was great fun to watch the kids choose their new “best outfits” and each child was allowed to have a top, skirt or trousers, and pair of shoes.

Barefoot and shopping for shoes, what a treat.

The Street Kids home is part of the Redemptorist organization and 122 boys and girls from age 5 to 18 years old have their home there. During the day they attend school, and come back to the home at around 4 p.m. These children all have very troubled backgrounds, having had to look after themselves from an early age. Sexual and physical abuse has been part of their daily life and coming from very poor families, buying new clothes and shoes is something very special for them.

The staff at Carrefour were very helpful every day. The training manager, Tum, made sure that all the details, like having our own check out counter, were in order. On the last evening, the general manager of Carrefour posed for a photograph with the shopping group of the day, and presented large boxes of gifts for the children to take back to the home.

PILC members who came to help out included Stef, a friend of Bronny’s, Quihong, Pat, Angela, Gillian, and Jo. The following members from the welfare team came every day to help: Sandy, Bronny, Jonna, and Helle, and Sharon, the PILC president, also attended every day.

This is one of the activities where it is so nice when PILC members come to help and support and the welfare team would very much like to say thank you to all.

Chiang Rai school fuelled by elephant dung

A hill tribe school in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai has come up with an innovative solution to its fuel problems - elephant dung. Ruam Mitr Village in Tambon Mae Yao of the province’s Muang District is home not only to members of the Karen minority, but also more than 35 elephants, raised to take tourists on rides through the local mountains.

Rather than letting all their droppings go to waste, the local school has been working for the past two years on a scheme to turn it into bio-energy. From humble beginnings with a 200-liter compositing tank, the school has now developed its facilities to include a composting pit with a capacity of 16 cubic meters. The resultant energy is used to power gas cookers, lamps and water heaters.

According to Suthat Phatayakorn, director of the Chiang Rai 1st District Education Office, the scheme came to the attention of the Ministry of Energy, and on December 9 Energy Minister Prommin Lertsuridej paid a visit to the school to view the project. (TNA)

118 students celebrate graduation from Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational College

Eakachai Kamolsri

At 8:30 a.m. on December 4 at the Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational College, Father Banchong Chaiyara, president of the Redemptorist Development Foundation for the Disabled, presided over the school’s graduation ceremony for 2004.

Father Banchong Chaiyara hosted the graduation ceremony.

Attending the ceremony were 118 graduating students that were honored for their accomplishments by Sister Pawenee Pichaisrisawat, assistant college director, Suporntham Mongkolsawat, Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational College director, students and parents.

Suporntham said, “The annual ceremony was attended by many VIPs, college administrators and parents of graduating students. Besides graduation, the ceremony was held to strengthen the minds and spirit of the students, and as a reward for their sacrifices. They will start to work for the Redemptorist group and will be useful for the country as per the college motto ‘Revive incapacitated people to achieve the capacity for living and social development’.

Suporntham Mongkolsawat (right), Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational College director explains the goals of the school’s program.

“During the 2-year course at the college, the students formed strong bonds with each other and their mentors. They rigorously studied the requirements needed for their vocation and were warmly welcomed and directed by Fathers, Sisters, teachers and officers. Even though we lost Father Ray and Father Patrick Morrisey, we must go forward to strengthen minds and spirits in all surrounding areas for success in the future,” Suporntham said.

Father Banchong Chaiyara, Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational College Chancellor hands out graduation degrees and special awards.

This year 118 students graduated and were also presented with rewards for outstanding achievements and good deeds done for the school and society. Honorary certificates were also presented to the distinguished entrepreneurs who will provide employment for the graduates.

Congratulations Jarunee, from everyone at Pattaya Mail.

All in attendance were appreciative of the students’ hard work and efforts in learning before graduation, and the work they will be doing. Their work will reinforce moral principles and provide benefits for them, their families, the community and society in accordance with the goals of the Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational College.

The Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational College Class of 2004.