On 23rd March BISP students celebrated Baan Day. Baan is the Thai word for House and the day was organised by the Wellbeing student leaders as an opportunity to celebrate the four school houses and allow students to connect with one another across year groups and divisions.
“ Overall, I think the atmosphere of Baan Day really allowed everyone to come together through the various activities that the house team captains hosted. It really seemed like people from different year groups would interact with their house teams, even if it was a brief wave. Since it was our goal to relaunch the house teams, as well as create a tighter community, I would like to think that everyone got closer in one way or another. Personally, through our efforts in including as many people as possible in all of our planned activities, we were able to get to know many of the younger years and encourage them to push their comfort zones. I was able to connect with the Primary students as well through the face painting activity and learnt how passionate they were about their house teams and how it could be significant to them. In the end, I believe that “Baan Day” was a success and we are all enthused to organise the exciting upcoming events that may come.”
Aneeta, Year 12 – Yellow House Captain
On the day, students had a free dress day in which they were encouraged to wear the colour of their House; red, yellow, green or blue to school.
The day started off with some good old team spirit, where students took photos with their friends while representing their colour houses, there was an exciting amount of creativity shown and students were able to have their faces painted, pose with props and share some school spirit with students across year groups, united by their ‘Baan’ spirit.
“ I think the mood was very outgoing and positive. It gave a chance for everyone to get involved, and even get to know their classmates in their house. Everyone seemed to enjoy the lunch activities and wanted to get involved, and all were having a good laugh watching others. Everyone seemed eager to take a photo at the photo booth as well and receive their free mask. I was personally able to connect with some students, especially the younger students that were shy and were quiet.”
JP Year 12 – Yellow House Captain
In the afternoon, during the wellbeing activities for secondary school students, there were many opportunities for students to enjoy lots of friendly House competition! To begin the activities the cunning Cobras competed against the tenacious Tigers, while the logical Leopards took on the spirited Sharks in games such as ‘The Spartan Race’, ‘The Weight of Water’, ‘Lost at Sea’ & ‘Time Bomb’,’Getarounders’ and ‘The Teamworks’.
“During the day, my personal favourite activity was the one we did during lunch. I had a lot of fun watching and preparing for the “Hip Shaking,” in which the students’ goal was to get all of the ping pong balls out of the tissue box they were wearing on their hips without using their hands. This was a lot of fun because it was hilarious to see how some of the students came up with creative ways to complete the task. I also enjoyed the atmosphere; every single student who was standing nearby and watching the activity was shouting, jumping, and cheering. They were cheering for everyone, regardless of who was playing, which was the whole point of the event.”
Kanta Mitsutani, Year 12- Green House Captain
“My personal favourite activity was definitely the face painting activity during break time. I had the opportunity to meet and connect with so many of the younger members of our community and share the bright spirit of Baan Day with them. When I arrived at primary I was delighted to see some of the older kids show leadership and kick off the face painting. It was a very chaotic yet fun experience to work with so many younger students and see their eyes light up at the sharks and cobra drawings, along with the attempted tigers and leopards. I always enjoyed doing art when I was younger, therefore, this was a great opportunity for me to reconnect with my inner artist and to bring out my creative side. Most importantly, what made this activity the highlight of my day, was the support the kids gave each other and the cheerful laughs they shared whilst adoring their simple drawings. Consequently, this experience has helped me to remember that it is the little things in life that can make the biggest difference.”
Sanya- Year 12- Red House Captain
Overall BISP Baan Day 2022 was a day for students and staff to COME TOGETHER in their Houses, a day to UNITE with their House Family, and a day to forge new friendships, and feel part of something BIG!
“Baan Day was the first event that the New House Captains Team arranged, and it turned out to be a great success throughout the whole school. The day was enjoyed by teachers and students alike, and I am glad to have been part of an event that aimed to raise the school spirit at BISP amongst all. A lot of planning and hard work had gone into the event and to see everyone love all that we had arranged for is, what I think, the greatest achievement of our day. On behalf of the House Captains Team, I would like to say thanks to everyone who participated in Baan Day festivities, and made it more enjoyable than we had expected it to be. We look forward to arranging such more exciting events that unite the school together again!”
Thea Mahboob, Year 12, Blue Sharks Captain
Flickr Album Link: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzHxQp