Top Banner
85 VOL. 01 NO. 01 Sepetember, 2009 WELCOME BACK Exciting New Programs EXCELLENT NEW TEACHERS Cutting Edge Technology PARENT ORIENTATION Department Review New Staff New Technology New Classes New Departments New Clubs Back to School super sized edition Wells International School ON NUT
12
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: 85 Magazine 1:1

85VOL. 01 NO. 01

Sepetember, 2009

Welcome back

Excitin

g New

Progra

ms

excellent neW

teachers

Cutting E

dge Tech

nology

parent orientatio

n

Depar

tmen

t

Review

new

staffnew

technology

new

classes

new Departments

new

clubs

Back to Schoolsuper sized edition

Wells International SchoolON NUT

Page 2: 85 Magazine 1:1

2 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn Vol. 1, No. 1

2

Recognizing that the most vital transformations often result from small

changes, we have continued to develop the familial atmosphere of the campus

through the addition of homeroom teams and mascots at the secondary level.

These teams serve as a competitive, yet friendly, means to motivate students

to both support one another and achieve their full potential. Another equally

significant event is the addition of several new, highly qualified instructors, all of

whom complement the talented, conscientious teaching staff. All instructors, new

and returning, encounter frequent opportunities for professional development

through workshops, collaborative sessions and Wells’ ground-breaking in-house

graduate courses. In order to offer much needed guidance and support, a full-

time counselor has also joined the Wells team, providing a means for students to

express their difficulties and concerns in a positive, constructive manner.

Wells International School begins every year with a simple, yet

fundamental, question: How can we continue to improve as

a world-class educational institution? This passion to grow

and refine our school continually drives us to develop new

strategies and research-driven programs to ensure that

we offer only the highest quality learning experience.

Indeed, this academic term—our first as a full member

of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and

the first to see off a graduating senior class—brings a

multitude of changes and innovations, all intended to

provide the students under our care with a balanced,

inclusive education that will truly prepare them to be

global citizens and lifelong learners.

Message from the Headmaster

In its infancy stage, it is to be ex-

pected that school-produced media

be a bit rough around the edges.

However, a sure sign of Wells Inter-

national School truly developing into

a reputable educational institution is

the emergence of high-quality, stu-

dent-produced media, such as last

year’s Wells Yearbook. This year, the

ICT Department rides on last year’s

success with the premiere of not only

a couple of new print media produc-

tions, but also Wells first video news

magazine Wells Rewind, further re-

inforcing Wells’ commitment to pre-

paring our students for their future

as well-rounded, effective communi-

cators and global citizens.

I trust you will enjoy reading

through the premier issue of 85 Mag-

azine, which celebrates the skills and

accomplishments of our talented

student journalists, photographers,

graphic designers, and future tech-

nology gurus.

I would like to thank Mr. Joseph and

the entire 85 Magazine staff for the

enormous amount of dedication and

time needed to make its launching a

success. As we embark on this next

leg of Wells’ extraordinary journey,

I am confident that such successes

will help steer us toward our goal

of both regional and international

distinction.

Ray D. de la Peña, Headmaster Wells International School – On Nut Campus

Yet all of these additions

would be insufficient if not

for an extensive, progressive

educational curriculum. Given

the use of English as the

standard of communication,

steady language acquisition

remains a priority, and the

implementation of the Fast

ForWord program ensures that

our younger learners will be

Welcome Back2 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn Vol. 1, No. 1

Page 3: 85 Magazine 1:1

Vol. 1, No. 1 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn 3

3

by Ivory Chang

The National Taipei Col-

lege of Nursing Informa-

tion and Computer Ser-

vice Group visited Wells

International School on

August 21st. The chairman,

Mr. Chang, welcomed the

visiting guests at On Nut

campus and gave a speech

entitled “Changing with

Opportunity,” in which Mr.

Chang shared many of his

valuable life experiences

with them.

The purpose of the ser-

CHANGING WITH

OppOrtunityvice in Thailand is to be volun-

teers by teaching Chinese and

computer technology in the Col-

lege of Asian Scholars, which is

located in Khon Kaen City.”

fully prepared for the robust demands

of our secondary program. Secondary

students receive intensive reading,

writing, grammar and vocabulary

in language arts courses, solidifying

past knowledge and providing

rigorous preparation for SAT 10 and

TOEFL examinations and university

entrance requirements. Similarly, the

launch of the Wells Math Program has

allowed many students to develop

their mathematics skills at previously

unattainable rates, as well as receive

highly individualized attention from

the diligent instructors. Not to be

outdone, the science, social studies,

fine arts and other departments have

continued to refine their offerings,

focusing on a holistic approach that

accentuates critical thinking and

practical applications. Finally, several

other computer programs in the

administrative sphere have facilitated a

streamlined tracking system for student

progress and curriculum development,

guaranteeing that all students receive

consistent, measurable assessments

and individualized attention.

Despite such rapid growth and

changes, Wells International School

remains committed first and foremost

to the students themselves. We take

pride in the inclusion of both students

and parents in the learning process

and look forward to further developing

that bond through heightened

collaboration and involvement,

including by taking a more active role

in serving the surrounding community.

Though the new term has brought its

own unique challenges and obstacles,

our teachers and students have sought

to face those obstacles head-on,

determined to once again prove that

Wells deserves its place in the top tier

of Thailand’s international schools.

Page 4: 85 Magazine 1:1

4 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn Vol. 1, No. 1

4

Parent OrientationOn Friday, August 21st, Wells welcomed our parents back to school.

Parents were reminded that they are the most valuable resources in

their children’s lives, and we strongly encourage parents to work hand

in hand with the school to help our students succeed.

Parents that attended the orientation were:

• IntroducedtotheWellsfaculty

• GivenanoverviewoftheWellsInternationalSchoolcurriculum

• InformedaboutWASCaccreditationupdates

• Introducedtoournewacademicprograms

• FamiliarizedwithWells-school.comandwellsonline

Parents that were not able to attend the orientation will have another chance for parents

to learn more about this exciting new year at Wells. We would like to have our families

help set up our first Parent Teacher Association. On September 10th we will be hosting a

parent meeting for our middle and high school students. On September 17th the parents

of primary students will be invited as well to help create the best learning environment

for their students.

Students and are better off when

parents participate in the educational

process. Parents are invaluable to their

children, our staff and the entire Wells

community. Parental involvement

occurs in a variety of different ways.

We would like our parent body to be

involved in planning fairs, concerts,

volunteering in the classroom, on

the sports field or just by supporting

a positive environment that enriches and supplements students through awareness.

The WPTA gives parents the ability to be on campus, get to know their children’s

friends and teachers and form lasting friendships. We look forward to having all of

our parents attend these upcoming meetings. During the meeting we would also like

to help parents even further understand our new academic programs. Details and

demonstrations on the will be available. Please don’t miss this opportunity.

Once again, WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL and please feel free to contact the office if you

have any concerns or questions.

Page 5: 85 Magazine 1:1

Vol. 1, No. 1 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn 5

5

Back at Last When the new school year started after two

months of vacation, we were really excited to

finally come back to school. During the holidays,

we were away from most of our friends. On the

first day of school we were all very excited to

see our friends and meet our teachers again.

The halls were bustling with joy and laughter.

Everyone was excited to tell each other how

their holidays went.

Wells Updateby Gautham

& Alina

As days passed, we were introduced to

many new things that the school had re-

cently implemented. This year we get to

work with many new programs. Many stu-

dents who did not have the opportunity to

participate in Fast ForWord last year were

able to do so this year. We believe that Fast

ForWord is a good program to improve our

English ability, especially our listening skills.

We were also introduced to ALEKS. Some

students participated last year; now all

students in grades 5-12 are involved. We

feel this program is really helping our math

abilities.

The grade 12 students have also been in-

troduced to a program called APEX. This

program offers credits that can be used

when working on your college degree. This

helps prepare our school seniors for univer-

sity level classes.

There have also been other changes in

our school. There are new rooms, including

a classroom for the grade 12 students. This

will be the first batch of graduating seniors

from Wells International School. This year

we also have LCD TVs and a computer in

every room. Teachers can also use the in-

ternet and show videos to help students

understand concepts better. Students can

also use this to present their own findings.

The event that we are all looking forward

to this year is the graduation of our seniors.

All of the grade twelves are working hard to

graduate this year.

This is the Wells update for September.

The students, teachers and the school staff

are all excitedly looking forward to the up-

coming events that are going to keep this

school year interesting.

  

E‐mail: w 

Cu

Though sm

electives, a

debate, pi

National I

the defend

wells85@wells

urricu

maller than ma

also offers choi

ano, Taekwon

Intervarsity De

ding champs to

                      

s‐school.com

ulum

any internation

ir, instrumenta

do, swimming

ebate Champio

o win first priz

                       

 

m

nal schools in B

al music, visual

g, ballet, basket

onship [5], held

e.

WE                       

Bangkok, Well

l art and dance

tball, soccer and

d on March 29

LLS INTERNAT www.wells‐sc

ls has sought to

. After school

d cricket. In th

9 - April 1 of 2

TIONAL SCHOchool.com 

o provide a bro

addition to c

mathematics

studies class

elective cour

the elementa

computer sc

physical edu

culture, Tha

support, Jap

French, Ma

Mandarin T

secondary ca

in addition t

activities and c

he 4th Europea

2008, Well's de

OOL  

Pa

oad curriculum

core language a

s, science and s

es, the followin

rses are offered

ary level: music

cience, drama, a

ucation, Thai

ai language, En

anese, Hindi,

ndarin Chines

Taiwanese. The

ampus at On N

to the above

clubs include

an Union-Thai

ebate team defe

age 3 

. In

arts,

social

ng

d at

c,

art,

nglish

e and

e

Nut,

iland

eated

Good Job nitchaby Mr. Joseph

Nitcha did an excellent job in

both style and design on last

weeks’ lesson on document for-

matting. She was able to recre-

ate the look and feel of an old

newspaper.

Seahawk prideby Jay and Shin

Following the beginning of the semester, the players of Wells have started

their effort to become champions of TISAC. Although last year was the first we

participated in TISAC, we won several games. Our under 13 team even won the

championship. Now we have great teams that will only continue to improve. We

are much more organized and skilled players than ever before. I believe we have

a bright future. To help our school, we should all cheer for our Well’s teams!

Page 6: 85 Magazine 1:1

6 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn Vol. 1, No. 1

6

My blog will be my online portfolio. It will have games

and other fun stuff, too. I have icons on my home page

to help you find the links to other pages. My favorite

flash game is Age of War; I don’t play anything other than

that. Anyway, if you want me to add a video or game to

my blog, please inform me by leaving a comment on my

blog. It is not fully finished, and I’m sorry for leaving some

pages empty.

Gobind, Grade 9B

A while ago the school let us make our own WordPress

blogs. We’re supposed to post articles and anything

else that we’re interested in. It has to be educational

and appropriate for young students.

I already posted some of my assignments and

essays that I did as homework. I think this is a good

opportunity to improve our skills at blog-making. Most

of all, though, we can have a lot of fun blogging and

working with each other.Gautham, Grade 9A

Hi, This is my online portfolio. You can find various

things such as games, tutorials and more. This blog is

mostly educational purposes. This blog was created for

all ages.

Visith’s Area is a fun area where I will post games

and funny videos. The purpose of Visith’s Area is for

entertainment. In the tutorials section I will be posting

tutorials from different software. There might be some

tutorials that you are sure to be interested in.

Visith, Grade 9A

6

6 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn Vol. 1, No. 1

Page 7: 85 Magazine 1:1

Vol. 1, No. 1 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn 7

7

It has been a full

swing beginning to a

new academic school year

for our students in the Primary Department. Everyone is excited to return after the summer break, and once again they are thrilled to continue their journey of learning in a well-nurtured and caring environment that is provided at Wells International School. To start with, we have amongst us three new teachers in the Primary Department. Ms. Mary Ferris, from America, is our Grade 1 homeroom teacher. Ms. Rekha Sachdej is our Grade 2 homeroom teacher. She is from Guam. Mr. Aaron Davis, who is also from America, is our Grade 3 teacher. They have all been welcomed and well greeted by all members of the school.

On the academic side, the structure of classes for our upper primary students in Grades 4 & 5 has been partitioned into subject

specific classes taught by three different teachers. Whether it is language arts, science, social studies

or math, the students have had an opportunity to gain from the teachers who are experts in their fields. Classes for Grades 1 through 3 remain in the same composition in which the homeroom teachers teach all core subjects.Our primary students have already been involved in various projects in class. They have demonstrated their zeal for learning by getting into cooperative groups and building their foundation of understanding the subject content. This has provided our students an opportunity of a fun way to interact with other students

and their teachers to make learning fun. In addition to the implementation of SSR (Sustained Silent Reading), Wells primary students have shown perseverance in reading. The Wells primary students are definitely going to have a year filled with fun and educational opportunities to strive and shine as bright individuals.

Mrs. Prerna

Vol. 1, No. 1 85 MagaZine 7

introDucing the Primary DePartment

Page 8: 85 Magazine 1:1

8 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn Vol. 1, No. 1

8

introDucing Language arts anD sociaL stuDiesLanguage

Artsby Mr. Rhys

We are fortunate to

have started this

new year with two

highly qualified and

enthusiastic new

teachers: a warm

welcome to Mr. Joe

and Ms. Maneka.

Mr. Joe teaches

Grades 6, 7 and also

High School 2 (Grade 10). Ms. Maneka teaches TOEFL for

Grades 11 and 12, and also ESL students in Grades 7 to 12.

They join Mr. Jared, who teaches High School 1 (Grade 9),

and Mr Rhys, who teaches Grade 8 and High School 3 and 4

(Grades 11 and 12). Dr. Del teaches ESL students in the high

school.

Our big drive this year is to improve the fluency of our

students through reading and to increase vocabulary. To this

end, in the middle school we are on a drive to read much

more!

In the U.S. native English speakers in middle school

are expected to read 1,000,000 words a year. This is the

equivalent of 11 pages (2,550 words) a day!

There is talk of prizes for the widest read, greatest

readers and also the most effort in each year. More later!

From Grades 6 to 12 we are also concentrating

on vocabulary. This is not only for the SAT tests in

Grade 12 but also - obviously - for more fluent

students who can express themselves confidently

and articulately. Watch this spot for more information

on both these and other topics in future issues!

Social Studiesby Mr. William

The Social Studies

Department is excited

about what the 2009-2010

school year will manifest.

So far this year, the Grade

6 students are learning

about early humans,

the Grade 7 students

are studying about Rome, and the Grade 8 and 9 students are

studying about the Renaissance.

Every month, the Social Studies Department will showcase

special events in some of the classes. This month, we will

describe one of Mr. Bob’s classes.

The students of Mr. Bob’s Personal Financial Management

class have been given 200,000 dollars to invest. Some students

have purchased homes or condos on the beach, whereas others

have bought mutual funds or stocks. Actually, they were given

pretend money to invest because Mr. Bob did not have enough

money to give to everyone. No, seriously! Mr. Bob has set up an

exciting investment simulation for the students to learn about

how to manage their personal finances. From week to week, Mr.

Bob will be presenting the students with “Real Estate Chance

Cards” that will positively or negatively affect their mock real

estate investments. Some students may “make a killing” on the

stock market, but others may go bankrupt.

Along the way, there will be some

surprises! Regardless, the students

will learn a lot about how to deal with

money.

8

Page 9: 85 Magazine 1:1

Vol. 1, No. 1 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn 9

9

introDucing the science DePartment

Feel the power of My Science by Mr. Brian

It’s been a busy start for the science de-

partment this year. The implementation

of our new comprehensive courses as

preparation for taking AP science course in

later years and a healthy array of experiments

and activities have seen both students and

teachers excited and challenged. This month

both middle school and high school students

have been busy learning the scientific method

so that they can begin investigating the world around them.

We are particularly excited about the offers available

through the science department this year. We will

be facilitating and organizing trips, including the

possibility of going to space camp in the USA! Internships, work

experiences and even high level courses through universities like

John Hopkins will be offered this year for gifted students. For more

information just ask your friendly science teacher!

Already there have been

excursions outside

school; Grade 11 and 12

students, in the environmental sci-

ences course, investigated and ana-

lyzed ecosystems and water qual-

ity from several local water bodies.

Results will be coming out soon,

but preliminary results confirm our

concerns about the health of canal water in Thailand. Environmental

scientists used Secchi discs, TDS meters and chemical analysis tech-

niques to compare the water content of the different samples.

Back in the laboratory students continue to analyze and

experiment in all areas of science.

Gautham’s Sudoku Singh’s Search

AARONNICKIASHOKPHILBRIANRAYCAMARINREKHADANROSHINIDELTANEAEUBINWILLIAMGARYGRAHAMJACKJOSEPHKERRMANEKAMARGARETMARY

*****

Social Studiesby Mr. William

The Social Studies

Department is excited

about what the 2009-2010

school year will manifest.

So far this year, the Grade

6 students are learning

about early humans,

the Grade 7 students

are studying about Rome, and the Grade 8 and 9 students are

studying about the Renaissance.

Every month, the Social Studies Department will showcase

special events in some of the classes. This month, we will

describe one of Mr. Bob’s classes.

The students of Mr. Bob’s Personal Financial Management

class have been given 200,000 dollars to invest. Some students

have purchased homes or condos on the beach, whereas others

have bought mutual funds or stocks. Actually, they were given

pretend money to invest because Mr. Bob did not have enough

money to give to everyone. No, seriously! Mr. Bob has set up an

exciting investment simulation for the students to learn about

how to manage their personal finances. From week to week, Mr.

Bob will be presenting the students with “Real Estate Chance

Cards” that will positively or negatively affect their mock real

estate investments. Some students may “make a killing” on the

stock market, but others may go bankrupt.

Along the way, there will be some

surprises! Regardless, the students

will learn a lot about how to deal with

money.

Page 10: 85 Magazine 1:1

10 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn Vol. 1, No. 1

10

and students will be encouraged to help each other using our TNT (Teach Not Tell) strategy. The system has no boundaries; some students may finish their grade level before the end of the school year. This is part of the beauty of ALEKS. Students aren’t restricted to their grade level; the sky is the limit.

Students are also working on cross curricular projects in groups of various sizes, ranging from individual and pair work to collaborations with other classes. This project work brings math alive and shows real life applications and context. They’re given tasks relevant to their current learning goals and are assessed on ability to work as part of a team as well as their findings.

Our system will continue to grow and improve as the year unfolds. It will flex to meet the learning needs of the students as new ideas will be incorporated. Our eyes and our ears are always open to new ideas; please get involved.

-Department of Mathematics

introDucing the

math DePartmentOur brand new system incorporates technology with traditional strategies, bringing a unique and exciting learning experience to our students. The seamless combination of ALEKS software, textbooks, practice workbooks and

cross-curricular projects is bringing increased meaning and

depth to our students’ perception and

understanding of the world. Along with the introduction of the ALEKS program, we managed to integrate the important elements of traditional classroom instruction and individual attention. ‘Peer-to peer’ learning is an

important aspect of

our system

Grade 1A Theethut Vichitchoti Perth Thanat Mei Ten Michellie Reis De Sooza Michelle Pattaraporn Sakaorattanakul Patty Bavornpath Valaisathien Pau Piah Riddhi Rupeshkumar Tandon Riddhi Mahinsa Samanali Mahinsa Arun Schroder Peter Prasanth Giri Neelam Prasanth Jirath Tansukawat Dan Albin Joseph Akkara Albin Saranya Kongpradab Kay Hoo Sung Lee Hubert Nattanan Chaemcharat-anothai Pu Natcharee Chaemcharat-anothai Pup Eun Ji Sim Eun Ji Aryaan Dial Silva Ari Aryaan

Grade 2A Aryan Baid Aryan Yu Jin Shin Yu Jin

Grade 3A Bhoowit Lerttiendamrong Park

Grade 4A Siripreeya Ammaranantakij Pinny

Grade 4B Chae Jin Shin Cindy Beom Jin Kim BeomJin Saharat Raruairuen Arh Kanak Tak PaviGrade 5A Thanaphat Pitwavivit Book Kittipot Ratsamee Fiat Jooh Ah Lee Jessica

Grade 6B Alisha Kishin Dayaram Alisha Reo Mizuno Reo Jaroonroj Boubpawan James Arlindo Chan Borges Arlindo Angelo Chan Borges Angelo Kirara Kubo Kilala Ji Hyun Ryu Ji Hyun Rishika Sirsachdecha Rishika So Young An So Young Mark Pasong Mark Kaito Yamamichi Kaito Dhivesh Anand Kumar Dhivesh Sirin Trinetkamol Sirin Siraphat Ammaranantakij Pleng Sanjana Baid Sanjana Eun Chae Shin Eun Chae Nattacha Lertraikul Book Anisha Dodani Anisha

Grade 7A Pisit Aimsathaporn Mos Grade 7B Shir Lee Akazawa Shirlee Natalya Teresa Silva Nat Grade 8A Gyeong Yi Lo Dana Grade 8B Swasti Tak Aashi

Grade 9A Atima Kreemaha Mang-Por Yi An Feng Annie

Grade 9B Ittisak Aimsathaporn Golf Wongsatorn Prasertthavorn Jeep Piyathida Piyapornsiri Pare Grade 10A Xin Kai Dong Dong Chanakan Dangwang Pat Grade 10B Siradanai Chaomuangbon Joseph Xin Xian He Tiffany Sarali Phutiphat Tang-Or Grade 11A Arada Arayawuth Darling Krittayaporn Dhadasih Dream Saran Singsacha Saran

New Teachers

Joseph Kerr USA Secondary LAJack Ferris USA Secondary MathEubin Mpeta Zambia Secondary MathDonna Laya-Lago Philippines PEMary Ferris USA Grade 1 HomeroomRekha Sachdej Thailand Grade 2 HomeroomAaron Davis USA Grade 3 HomeroomTanea Hibler USA Secondary ScienceNicky Seghal Thailand CounselorIvory Chang Taiwan Mandarin

Welcome New Students and Teachers

10

10 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn Vol. 1, No. 1

Page 11: 85 Magazine 1:1

Vol. 1, No. 1 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn 11

11

Counseling Department

them find passion in their lives and futures.

Our goal is to make your child’s school experience the best it can be. We will take students’ problems seriously and help find solutions.

All students are encouraged to see their counselors throughout the year. The atmosphere in the guidance office is friendly and informal, and the counselors are very accessible. Students may drop in at any time – before or after school, during study periods, during breaks or at lunch.

We have created a dropbox for students who may be shy, uncomfortable or aren’t able to come into the guidance room.

Students:, here are some of the reasons you may want to visit:

* “I am new here and I miss my old friends.”* “Everything’s fine. I just wanted to talk!”* “I don’t know what my goal in life is?”* “I can’t control my anger…HELP!”* “I get stressed every time I have to take a test.”* “I’m sick of being bullied and want help to stop it.”* “Someone special in my life has died, and I don’t know what to do.”* “I’m having problems paying attention and following directions in class.”* “So many universities? I’m confused….. I don’t know what I want to do in future.”

Parents, you may have concerns regarding:

* “My child has nightmares and trouble going to sleep.”* “How do I talk to my child about ____________?”* “My child is having difficulties learning/has a learning disability.”* “We are new to Wells, and my child is

having a hard transition. What can I do to help?”* “We are moving away from Thailand. I’m afraid moving will be difficult on my child. What can I do?”* “My child won’t listen to a word I say!”* “I’ve noticed that my child is not making many friends. What should I do?”* “I notice that my child is anxious about ________. What do you suggest?”

Teachers, you may need assistance if:

* “My class is behaving poorly. Please help!”* “A student in my class is going through a family changes. What can I do to support him/her?”* “I notice that one of my students is having difficulty in certain academic areas, what can I do to help him/her be successful?”* “I am hearing a lot of complaints about teasing and bullying. What can I do in my classroom to help this problem?”

About me?

An optimist, travel adventurer and passionate life learner, I’ve journeyed from a kindergarten teacher to flight attendant, and in the process was exposed to a myriad of different people, of different

ages and from different cultures. I came to see that all people are representatives of their cultures, backgrounds and communities, and as such need to be approached and dealt appropriately. I gravitated naturally toward the field of counseling, and entered a masters program in counseling psychology. I have experience working with special needs at the Ministry of Public Health (Thailand) and The Village Learning Centre, where I facilitated group counseling and classes that allowed students to express themselves through drama, art, poetry and dance.

I’m a strong believer in the positive psychology approach to counseling. I feel that counseling the young is the most important aspect, for they are the next generation, and it is critical to instill the confidence and abilities necessary to succeed and be the future.

By Ms. Nicki

How are we doing this school year? The guidance department has an exciting and purposeful year awaiting you!

So far we have been dedicating our energy into:

* Guidance class for grades 6 to 10 * Outreach program for all grade levels* One on one doors open for a chat/discussion/counseling* University fairs – Thammasart Open House, Australian University Fair* All about University Workshop by Princeton Review at Senior Parent Meeting

Wells Guidance Department understands, respects and appreciates each student’s uniqueness; therefore we aim to assist all students in achieving their full potential in four broad areas of development:

academic, social, personal/emotional and career awareness.

Counselors have special training in how to help students solve problems, make decisions,and stand up for themselves. We help students not only by listening and talking, but occasionally by techniques such as using games, crafts, music and dance. We use other means of expression to help students open up and explore their feelings. That doesn’t mean that we will wave a magic wand and make problems disappear, but we will do our utmost to identify problems and give students the tools they need to cope. Should the need arise, we will refer for more specialized help.

Along with the guidance classes we are implementing a step by step four year plans for high school students to help

Vol. 1, No. 1 85 MagaZine 11

Page 12: 85 Magazine 1:1

12 85 MagaZine Super SiZed ediTiOn Vol. 1, No. 1

12

85 Magazine CrewChih-Jau (Kelly) Wang: Cover, calendar and staff credits

Nitvaree (Nivan) Narula: Welcome Back and Back to School

Alina Sachdev: Lead writer

Surachaet (Nick) Charaschanya: Science and Math pages

Khanuenglak (net) Baipowongse: Language Arts and SS pages

Kongwut Sajjaphoorriphoom: Primary page

Visith ahuja: Design assistance

Ji Hae Lee: Design planning

Mr. Joseph: Pepsi Max Drinker / Teacher

Mr. Jared: Pirate Lord / Editor

SeptemberSep. 1: Senior Class Parent Orientation: 6:00-8:00 pm

Sep. 10: MS / HS Wells Parent Teachers Association Introduction

Sep. 17: Primary Parent Teachers Association Introduction

Sep. 24: AP Science Teachers’ Workshop at Wells On Nut

Sep. 30: Teachers in Service Day. Students dismissed at 1:15.

Sep. 28-30: Midterm Exams

Upper Primary and MS / HS students

OctoberOct. 2: Primary Students Super Achievers Awards Ceremony

Oct. 12-16: Parent Teacher Conference Week

(Midterm student grades available)

Oct. 16: Parent Teacher Conferences 8:00 - 3:30 [No classes]

Oct. 19-23: Midterm Break

Oct. 30: Halloween / Renaissance Fair

Important Dates

August 09 M T W T F S S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

September 09 M T W T F S S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30

October 09

M T W T F S S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31