Celebrating Diversity
By Dennis Harter, MS Principal
dennish@isb.ac.th
This week our Middle School held our annual Diversity Assembly. It is among my favorite events in the school year, as students speak about the community they want and the values they hold dear – that all people are of value, that diversity is a strength that makes life richer, and that discrimination has no place among us.
This year, the theme of the assembly was “We are all human.”
“Human” backdrop created by our Arts Council students.
Students from various school organizations spoke, sharing the kind of community that we value and want to be. Opening speaker, Vincent shared with us, why diversity matters:
The greatest gift that diversity provides us is a sharper mind. With so many choices, our mind has to think critically.
Diversity gives us the greys between black and white. We see different perspectives. We see multiple viewpoints. We can inquire and make our own decision.
He added and ended with,
A diverse society is a place where different people meet to mix, discuss, engaged because of their differences and through this interaction change happens. We are changed through discussing ideas and meeting different peoples. We become more complex people.
A diverse society creates connections through the exchange of ideas. A diverse society make life colorful, flavorful, and more interesting. Diversity is a requirement for the forward movement of the human race. Life is richer, more vibrant, and more complex through diversity.
This is why diversity matters.
Throughout the assembly student speakers shared data on discrimination on what percentages of our own students had been discriminated against (for gender, appearance, nationality, or accent) or even been discriminatory themselves. They offered up our community as a safe place – one that they hoped could be without discrimination.
The choir sang songs from the musical Wicked, sharing how the themes from that musical, about believing in yourself and staying strong, despite looking different, can help you “Defy Gravity.” And our dancers performed a medley of dance styles to symbolize that cultures can mix and get along.
We are so proud of our middle school students for the Courage they show to share their voice for a better community and world.
Celebrations of Music
by Dennis Harter
dennish@isb.ac.th
This week audiences were treated to two terrific concerts showcasing the learning and talents of the students in our MS Music program.
First on Tuesday, our Band program, featuring 180 students, had their concert. The Beginning, Concert and Symphonic bands each performed several pieces, demonstrating the learning progress that they had made throughout the year. The quality of the performance was incredible – bands at this age group usually don’t sound this good! The entire night was a real testament to the impact that our teachers Mr. Poling and Mr. Udagawa have on our students and the hard work they all put into their musicianship.
During the evening we also recognized the assistance of Khun Nong, the department’s instructional aide, the students who qualified for AMIS (including several HS Jazz band students), and our grade 8 students who we hope will continue with music in the high school.
On Thursday night, our Choir and Orchestra program held their joint concert, featuring 137 students. The theme of the evening was “Fantasy” and the audience was transported to other worlds with songs by the orchestra, like “Fable” and “Mythos,” along with music from Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. The digital program featured artwork from our middle school students.
The Choir performed in their individual class groups, and then combined for four songs from the musical, “Wicked.” Students shared how the songs showed the dangers of over-valuing popularity and how believing in yourself allows you to “Defy Gravity” and reach your potential. Perfect for middle school!
The evening finished with a combined Choir and Orchestra piece, “Wanna be like Me.” We also thanked Kelly Mott and Khun Peach for their support of our programs. Once again, the music program revealed how hard-working and talented our student musicians are and what terrific guidance they receive from our excellent teachers, Ms. Gricius and Mr. Marshall.
No School on June 3rd
ISB will join all of Thailand in recognizing June 3rd as a National Holiday in honor of Her Majesty The Queen’s birthday. This will mean a loss of Day 7 and school will resume on Tuesday, June 4th with a MS Day 8.
Gymnastics Summer Camps
The registration link for the summer camps is here. You can pick the number of days you want. No need to sign up for the entire week. The camps are open to ISB students with or without gymnastics experience. Deadline for registration and the payment day at the CAO is on June 3rd.
CAMPS FOR 7 YEARS OLD & UP (3 hours) – 9:00 to 12:00 – 750THB per day without snack
June 17-21
June 24-28
August 5-9
CAMPS FOR 4.5 YEARS TO 7 YEARS OLD (2 hours) – 13:00 to 15:00 – 500THB per day without snack
June 17-21
June 24-28
August 5-9
Skate Saturday
Boarders Without Borders presents: SKATE SATURDAY #2 – 10:00am to 12:30pm May 25 in front of the Chevron Theater
Do you want to learn to skate? Do you want to improve your skating skills? Bring your skateboard, and come learn beginner skate tricks and skating safety along with other students. Food, snacks, and drinks are provided! If you have any further questions, feel free to email Daniel Namatinia at 16939@students.isb.ac.th“.
Panther Tennis Summer Clinic is now open for registration! by Panther Tennis
Do you want to try new sports during summer? Do you wish to brush your tennis skills? Please join Panther Tennis Summer Clinic!
Period :
Week 1 : Monday, June 17 – Friday, June 21
Week 2: Monday, June 24 – Friday, June 28
Week 3: Monday, July 29 – Friday, August 2
Week 4: Monday, August 5 – Friday August 9
Time / Place / Class Fee : (Grade based on school year 2019-20)
- G6 – G12 Beginners& Intermediate (2 hr tennis practice)
Court 1 – 7 (courts behind MS cafeteria)
- Panther Elite players : 2 hr tennis practice with fitness
Registration : https://forms.gle/GL8Q8PHCig8gvVZu9
Details can be found on https://www.isb.ac.th/student-life/activities/community-activities/panther-tennis/
Contact : Panther Tennis pantert@isb.ac.th
IASAS Film @ SAS – November 6-10, 2019
Calling all Young Film Makers! Come learn about the new IASAS Film & Art event — coming up NOVEMBER 2019! This year’s IASAS Film prompt has been released and we’re officially traveling to SAS!!! Sign up HERE if interested. More information to follow.