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Dr. Philippe visits The Regent’s School
The students of The Regent’s School were very fortunate
to be visited by Dr. Philippe Seur of the Pattaya Heartt 2000 AIDS
Association last week.
Over 40 students and staff spent the lunchtime listening
to Dr. Philippe’s experience of working with HIV / AIDS affected people in
the Pattaya and Chonburi region. He explained that there was medication and
treatment available to help people with HIV to lead a normal life and that
discrimination needn’t be an option, building on the theme from the World
AIDS Conference in Bangkok: “Access to all.”
 The
Round Square Service Group present Dr. Philippe with money raised from
selling South African handmade badges. (Photo by Marcus Way)
The other important point that he made was that the youth
of today can be leaders in the fight against AIDS, both individually and
within their social groups.
The Round Square Service Group and Student Guild
presented Dr. Philippe with 34,000 baht raised from selling handmade South
African badges. This money will go towards vital triple treatment that
fights the infections caused by HIV and keeps the patients healthy.
The presentation finished with a very informative question and answer
session that ran well into the afternoon lessons.
Dr Sunya Viravaidya appointed Honorary Swedish Consul
Suchada Tupchai
Swedish nationals in Pattaya and the surrounding
provinces now have a consular office through the appointment of prominent
businessman Dr. Sunya Viravaidya as the honorary consul. The inauguration
ceremonies were held at the new consular office on December 14.
VIPs
gather around to cut the ribbon to declare open the Swedish consulate.
(front l-r) Gen. Kan Pimanthip former Air Force Commander in Chief, Pisit
Boonchuang, Vice Governor of Chonburi Province, Gen. Chetta Thanajaro,
former Commander in chief of the Army. (rear) Dr. Sunya Viravaidya, Gen
Niphon Pharunnit, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Army and H.E. Jonas
Hafstrom the Ambassador of Sweden.
H.E. Jonas Hafstrom, the Swedish ambassador to Thailand
and other distinguished guests were present at the opening of the new
hi-tech office located next to the Pattaya courts on Thappraya Road.
“I have the great honor of wishing you all a very warm
welcome to the inauguration of the Swedish honorary consulate in
Pattaya,” said H.E. Jonas Hafstrom. He also thanked Stig Vagt-Anderson
for his dutiful service acting as honorary consul for Sweden, as well as
Denmark and Norway.
 Dr.
Sunya Viravaidya the honorary consul of Sweden and H.E. Jonas Hafstrom the
Ambassador of Sweden pay their respects to the Swedish and Thai national
Anthems.
The ambassador said, “The King of Sweden, His Majesty
Karl Gustav XVI, has by commission on April 5 2004 appointed Dr. Sunya
honorary consul in Pattaya with jurisdiction through the provinces of
Chonburi, Rayong and Trat. The commission was approved by the king of
Thailand, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej on October 26, 2004.”
The Swedish ambassador went on to say that Dr. Sunya
attended a conference in Stockholm and was granted an audience with the
king of Sweden. The ambassador then declared the new Pattaya Consulate
office open. Dr. Sunya and honored guests, including Phisit Boonchuang,
deputy governor of Chonburi Province, and local officials, joined him in
the ribbon cutting ceremonies.
In his thank you speech Dr. Sunya mentioned the close
ties between Thailand and Sweden and that in the last 30 years as a medical
practitioner he has met with a large number of Swedish tourists and
residents, adding that the number of visitors has been increasing each
year.
“The consulate will look after Swedish nationals in
the area ... and relieve the load on the embassy in Bangkok. The number of
Swedish nationals over the last few years entering Thailand has soared.
Statistics show that Thailand is the most popular destination in the world
for Swedish tourists outside of Europe,” said Dr. Sunya.
Once the formalities were over, everyone moved on for a
special buffet dinner laid out around the poolside of the Sugar Hut Resort
to round up the evening.
The consular office will provide passport services, consultation and
advise on a variety of issues, such as facing illness and death, and
tourism information on Thailand in terms of safety and security. The office
will be open from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Swedish nationals
wishing to contact the office may do so by calling 038-364485 during office
hours.
Charity Club of Pattaya donates to Street Kids Home
On Sunday December 12 the Charity Club of Pattaya
delivered its first donation of household items to the Street Kids Home. The
truck was full to bursting and with the help of the children it was quickly
emptied, placed on the steps for a photograph and then with a little more
encouragement the children removed it all to various storerooms. The
following Sunday they delivered the rice; the children were ready for them
this time and made short work of emptying the truck and posing for photos.
Diwali splendor at Garden International School
In the spirit of multiculturalism, Garden International
School (GIS) organized an exotic celebration of Diwali, the festival of
lights. The celebration was a grand display of pomp and circumstance led by
the students of the school. Diwali is an ancient traditional ceremony in
India which means “Victory over Darkness” in which the lighting of lamps
symbolizes the pathway to light and purity.
 Children
of many nationalities sang and danced to Indian songs from various regions
of India, in celebration of ‘Diwali’ the festival of lights and love.
The Diwali function at GIS was inaugurated by the
lighting of the ‘Diya’ (lamp) by the school principal Ruth Grant and
deputy principal Bora Rancic.
The function started off with a fashion show and music
performed by students, who showed the various costumes worn by the natives
from different parts of India. The primary grade children staged a stunning
performance, clad in costumes made of heavy brocade with inlaid mirrors.
Although the costumes were heavy with ornaments, the performers pulled off
the choreographed show with style and grace.
 The array of costumes and colors, together with the beat
of the music and dances sent many feet tapping and guests gaily clapped to
the rhythm of the music. The songs were sung in different dialects. The
function, organized by GIS students and parents was a roaring success and a
tribute to the talents of the multinational pupils enrolled in the school.
Before a sumptuous Indian dinner was served, the MC for the night, Sonia
Goho, called upon the general manager of the school, James Abraham, to say a
few words. “A lot of preparation went on behind the scenes to make this so
evening so enjoyable. I want to thank everyone who participated in this
special event, especially the children and their parents who worked so hard
to make this Diwali night such a fantastic success,” James said.
St. Camillus Foundation of Thailand – Pedrollo’s Children’s Center opened by Rayong deputy governor
On Thursday December 16, Father Giovanni Contarin, founder
and director of the Camillian Social Center Rayong proudly welcomed the
deputy governor of Rayong, Suwet Tantiwong to formally open the new
building. Bishop Lawrence Tienchai of the Chantaburi diocese was present to
bless the facilities.
 Father
Giovanni welcomes deputy governor of Rayong, Suwet Tantiwong.
The Rayong Center takes care of those who are HIV
positive or suffering from AIDS and who have been rejected by family and
society. The much needed new building will provide dormitories for the young
girls and allow rationalisation of the boy’s sleeping arrangements around
the site.
The principal benefactor (Mr Pedrollo) funded the
building of the 3-storey facility that features classrooms and rooms for
creative activities, computers and teachers on the ground floor. The first
floor is principally a series of 6 and 8 bed dormitories for the young
girls; there are also some rooms to accommodate visitors and volunteers. The
top floor houses the laundry and a large open activities area where, for
example, the Saturday night treat for all will be to watch TV.
Camillian
children entertain the dignitaries.
Individual benefactors, who wish to remain anonymous,
have given generously. The computer room has six workstations, each with its
own desk, chair and printer, all provided by one person. Within the
dormitories each child has a full sized single bed, wardrobe and bookcase.
The Charity Club of Pattaya funded the soft furnishings. The washing machine
manufacturer, as part of their research and development programme, provided
the equipment free. They continue to monitor the performance of the machines
on an ongoing basis, an astute move on their part.
The Pedrollo Center is well laid out at the entrance to
the site and is fronted by a grassed area with inset water fountains. Behind
the new building are the functional facilities necessary for the day-to-day
running, the care and treatment and the education and awareness programmes
embarked on by the St Camillus Foundation. The HIV positive youngsters, of
whom there are 34 at present, are educated on and off site and taught
creative activities. Some of the 55 adult residents, many of whom are
terminally ill with fully developed AIDS, make artefacts and trinkets that
are sold to raise funds for the running of the centre.
When the formalities of cutting the ribbon and blessing
all of the rooms was complete, dignitaries, guests and children all moved to
the cafeteria area where refreshments were on hand. The children (three
groups according to age and skills) entertained all with a series of songs
and dances that were a delight to behold.
Finally, Father Giovanni distributed bouquets of flowers by way of thanks
to many of the dignitaries and sponsors present. Six trainee nurses from
Utah, America have been helping at the centre over the past few months;
their chosen speaker took the microphone to publicly thank Father Giovanni
and all at the centre for the warmth of their hospitality and the knowledge
gained regarding care and education re HIV/AIDS. Particularly heart-warming
was the young nurse’s comment thanking Father Giovanni for making them
“part of the family” during their stay in Rayong.
Physics Nobel Laureate at the Asian University
The first of three Nobel Laureates visited the Asian
University last week. These eminent speakers form part of a series of visits
being hosted by the International Peace Foundation. Representatives of the
International Peace Foundation joined visitors from the armed forces, local
government, industry and local schools as well as university staff and
students, to hear the first lecture at the university on December 9.
 Nobel
Laureate, Professor Claude Cohen-Tannoudji
The morning started with a brief introduction from the MC
for the occasion, Napat Settasomboon, the president of the Students’
Union. The university president, Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, also welcomed the
keynote speaker, Professor Claude Cohen-Tannoudji.
Prof. Cohen gave a brief outline of some of the research
for which he and his colleagues had been awarded the Nobel Prize for physics
in 1997. He had carried out research into light and how it interacts with
atoms. He explained that he had been looking for ways to use these
interactions, and questioned what will happen next. Will it be possible to
master the interactions? What applications will there be?
Contrary to earlier understanding it is now agreed that
light can be considered to be a wave as well as a beam of particles. If the
interaction between the atoms and the photons could be manipulated, there
may be many applications.
One of the early uses of this was the development of the
spectrometer for identification of elements. Amongst the other applications
of Prof. Cohen’s work is optical pumping. This had an unexpected
application in the development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and in
particular Prof. Cohen gave the example of a medical application allowing
the visualisation of cavities within the human body, such as the lungs,
using an isotope of helium.
 Dr.
Viphandh Roengpithya, Asian University president
At extremely low temperatures (about one millionth of a
degree Kelvin, close to absolute zero: -273oC) it was found to be easier to
observe and to manipulate atomic movement, as atoms move much more slowly
than at ambient temperature. One application of this has been the
improvement of the accuracy of atomic clocks. This will also improve the
accuracy of GPS and other systems where time is important. In the future,
gyroscopes, used for navigation, are likely to be improved too.
Prof. Cohen stressed the importance of basic research. He
explained that the outcomes were not always what were anticipated, but that
was why it is so important, and exciting. Throughout his talk Prof.,
Cohen’s enthusiasm was obvious.
He concluded by emphasising the importance of basic
scientific research to solve man’s problems in the world today. More and
better scientific education is essential if people are to understand the
world in which they live, and each other. He pointed out that what has yet
to be learnt is more important than what is already known.
After a lively questions and answers session, Prof. Cohen
was thanked by the university president, Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, who also
gave the professor a small gift.
The next keynote lecture in the series at the Asian University will be on
January 14, 2005. The speaker will be Professor Riccardo Giacconi, who will
speak on the Development of X-Ray Astronomy. Anyone wanting more
information, please contact the university on 038 754 450 or
[email protected] Admission is free, but please contact us to reserve
your place.
YWCA launches “Link of Love” project
Huay Pong kids receive special New Year treat
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
On December 14, the kids at Huay Pong House received a
special treat when the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya provided them with a sumptuous
lunch to mark the upcoming New Year season.
 The
children at Huay Pong look forward interacting with community members.
Activities during the day also included musical shows and
games to bring joy to the children who reside at the home. Awards and sports
equipment were also presented by various local charity organizations, aimed
at making life easier for these disadvantaged youngsters.
The event was part of the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya’s
“Link of Love” project, headed by Chonburi juvenile court judge Sopin
Thappajug and YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya’s president and administrator, Malinee
Sariman.
Participating supporters of the event who provided
generous contributions included the Rotary Club of Taksin-Pattaya, Pattaya
City Social Welfare Department, Pattaya Sports Club, Pattaya Mass Media
Club, Pattaya Music Club, Inter-Act Club, Banglamung School, and Joker
Balloon, who provided colorful balloons for the children.
It was a
happy day at Huay Pong for the children and benefactors.
The YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya’s “Link of Love” project
supports underprivileged and homeless children. Although this project cannot
solve all problems, its aim is to provide support, warmth and love, and
convey the message that society cares about these less fortunate children.
Special events held at the school are real treats for the kids, bringing joy
and cheer into their lives. They look forward to this interaction with
community members.
Many of the children who reside at the Huay Pong Home have been abused by
cruel families or have been lured into a sordid life of sex and drug abuse.
The YWCA created the “Link of Love” project to protect and support these
kids and give them hope for a better future when they enter mainstream
society. The special events and generous contributions from charity
organizations are proof to the children that they are loved and that people
care.
Pattaya Orphanage kids celebrate Christmas season
Good fun, great food and warm love are best gifts for orphaned children
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Over 200 young residents of Pattaya Orphanage were
treated to a gala Christmas party on December 12, organized by the
Association of Filipinos Thailand, Eastern Region Chapter (AFT-ERC) and
Pattaya Orphanage. This annual event is arranged to include these
underprivileged children in the holiday season and show that the community
cares about them. This party is a particular favorite with the kids and puts
much joy into their often dreary lives.
The
acrobatic performers and members of the AFT-ERC posed with the children for
a keepsake photo.
At 11 a.m. the AFT-ERC, headed by Virginia D. Sorensen,
and over 20 other Filipinos arrived at the orphanage on Sukhumvit Road. The
party kicked off with a sumptuous meal prepared by the ladies of the
association. The children dug into the food with gusto and gallons of
delicious ice cream were devoured. There were also plenty of fun activities
organized for their enjoyment.
AFT-ERC
enjoyed singing a song for the kids.
The whole group joined in a folk dance show. Then, as a
special surprise, an acrobatic show from the Philippines, brought in by the
association, drew squeals of delight from the children. The atmosphere was
warm and loving as adults and children were brought together to celebrate
this joyous season. The association also gave the children toys, eating
utensils and other useful day-to day items.
Virginia Sorensen said about the event, “This annual party is directed
towards the welfare and happiness of underprivileged children. The most
rewarding outcome is the children’s happy participation and watching them
enjoy themselves. These kids at the Pattaya Orphanage are outgoing and
confident and feel no different than other children in society, although
most of them are orphans or have been abandoned by their parents.”
We’re
head over heels for you.
The show
drew squeals of delight from the children.
Yum,
this ice cream is really, really good.
Garden International School celebrates Teddy Bears’ birthday
Foundation Years at GIS celebrated ‘Teddy Bears’
birthday party’ the other day, bringing up the question of how the Teddy
Bears have connected to the Foundation Years Curriculum. Miss Retno, who is
the Nursery teacher, said it was ‘Teddy Bear’s week’ and this comes
under the topic for the half term ‘Toys and Celebrations’.
 The
‘Bear’ was used throughout the week to help teach each of the six areas
of the Early Learning Goals.
The ‘Bear’ has been used throughout the week to help
teach each of the six areas of the Early Learning Goals. The theme of
celebrations and birthday is closely linked to Knowledge and Understanding
(KUW). In Communication Language and Literacy (CLL) the children have been
learning to hear the sound ‘b’ and finding objects that begin with the
same sound as ‘bear’.
To help their Physical Development (PD) and gross motor
skills they have been on a ‘bear hunt’, searching high and low to find
their Teddy Bears (sneakily hidden by the teacher and assistants!). Whilst
carrying out their search the children were asked ‘How many bears can you
find?’, thus enhancing their Mathematical Development (MD). To further
improve their fine motor skills and Creative Development (CD) they made
hats, for themselves and their teddies, and do you know that these little
children were the ones who made the cookies and birthday cake for the party!
 The
children were encouraged to bring their teddies to school.
For their Personal and Social Health Education (PSHE) the
children were also encouraged to bring their teddies to school for a sleep
over. They learnt how to care for their bears and even packed an overnight
bag (toothbrush included).
The children were seen sharing and caring for each
others’ Teddy’s, as well as their own.
This kind of teaching is really very interesting and exciting. Who would
have thought the Teddy Bear could have been such a useful and stimulating
teaching resource? Thank you Theodore Roosevelt!
The
children were seen sharing and caring for each others’ Teddy’s, as well
as their own.
Merry Christmas at the Regents
Karyn Walker
Photos by Marcus Way
The recent Regent’s School Christmas Concert was a very
festive affair with lots of music and song to mark this special time of
year. The programme showcased the wide range of musical activities
co-ordinated by the Regent’s music department, covering both classroom
work and extra curricular activities like orchestra and choirs.
Christmas
cheer from the Regent’s Orchestra.
It was a delight to see the confidence and enthusiasm of
the younger singers and players, some of whom had only been involved in the
instrumental learning programme for a few months. As well as presentations
by the junior choir and strings, the concert also included challenging
pieces by the more experienced students and groups. Well deserving of a
special mention is the senior choir which gave an outstanding performance
and absolutely ‘wowed’ the audience with their fantastic harmonies.
Student rock bands, Zinc and Stillicide, also performed to loud applause
from their devoted fans.
 Junior
Strings Group.
During the interval the audience was invited to visit the
Christmas Art Exhibition which featured a variety of work prepared by
secondary students. An impressive presentation of paintings, drawings and
collages made up the display, showing the variety of techniques and theme
which students explore in their art studies. The exhibition showed samples
of work from Year 7 right through to coursework prepared for IGCSE and IB.
From colourful landscapes inspired by the Fauvists to paintings in the style
of Australian Aborigines, from portraits to abstracts, the display showed
just how much the students enjoy their artistic endeavours and strive for
excellence.
 Instrumentalists
concentrate on their notes.
The programme closed on a festive note with everyone
joining in some favourite Christmas carols. Congratulations to all the
students who performed with such enthusiasm and provided a wonderful musical
evening. A big thank you to all the staff involved, particularly acting head
of music, Ian Alexander and his exceptionally talented team.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at the Regent’s
School!
The children of the Camillian Social Center Rayong just love Santa Claus
On Wednesday December 15, Santa Claus arrived a little
early to visit the children from the Camillian Center at Yorkies Restaurant
on Jomtien Beach Road. This was the 3rd occasion that the HIV positive kids
have been treated to Christmas festivities at Yorkies.
 It
was a treat just to be there and see the expressions on the faces of the
children as their name was called and they accepted their presents.
Eileen and Norman Denning and their staff hosted the
children to lunch at Yorkies. Traditional Thai food was swilled down with a
never-ending supply of cola and followed by ice cream.
Santa Claus (Dave Chandler) arrived to the sounds of
jingle bells sung by the kids and much ho ho hoing accompanied the bearers
of large sacks of presents. Every boy and girl was called forward in turn to
be given their present by Santa; significantly, each gift had the child’s
name on it making it their special present. It was a treat just to be there
and see the expressions on the faces of the children as their name was
called and they accepted their presents.
The Charity Club of Pattaya provided the children’s
gifts and handed over to Georgina Phelan of the Rayong Center the princely
sum of 120,000 baht raised by them at their recent Charity Gala Dinner and
Prize Draw.
After the events at Yorkies the children spent the
afternoon on the beach opposite. Here, Chukiat Harnvej gave his beach area
and facilities over to the kids with 50% discount.
Camillian
kids love Santa Claus.
Father Giovanni Contarin is the founder and director of the Camillian
Social Center Rayong. Volunteers Georgina and Paddy Phelan and three
teachers / caregivers assist Father Siranon, the Superior. Sister Rita is in
charge of the childcare centre that is home to 34 children aged between 5
and 17, all HIV positive. The Rayong Center takes care of those who are
family and society rejects and have no one else to care for them. In
addition to the children there are presently 55 adults with HIV / AIDS at
the center; half of the adults are terminally ill.
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