This week we celebrate and honor our award-winning students at Branksome Hall Asia.We encourage our students to participate in international competitions and it is no surprise when they come out on top!
Please join me in acknowledging their hard work and well-deserved accolades.I am so proud of the work our students are doing as they embody the school’s mission to shape a better world.
이번 주 브랭섬홀 아시아는 최근 IB 학습자의 면모를 여실없이 보여주며 대외적인 수상의 영예를 차지한 우리 학생들을 한 마음으로 축하하는 자리를 갖고자 합니다. 보다 나은 세상을 만드는 일에 동참하자는 본교의 미션을 담은 놀라운 성과물을 만들어낸 우리 학생들이 너무나 자랑스럽습니다.
The library team held the 2nd BHA Living Library event earlier this month with the theme of “Life Experiences.” More than 30 living books shared their stories about topics such as taking a gap year from law school; working in Hollywood at age 8; managing an Ice Cream factory or pursuing a career as an opera singer. Middle school students enjoyed learning about these diverse experiences and had the opportunities to ask questions and gain inspiration from different people.
Just this week, author James Sellick shared his books about feeling with students in the Lower Junior School. James is an award-winning, Empathy lab trained author, playwright and creative director from London.
Next month is our annual Book and Poetry celebration. This year we will be hosting Sara Holbrook and Michael Salinger, Outspoken Literacy Consultants as poets in residence from 18th - 24th April. They will be working with students in Upper Junior and Middle School to support their writing and we are planning to hold a Middle School poetry slam to celebrate our G6-8 student voices on the last day. Our popular Book Character Dress up Parade will also take place on Wednesday, April 24th.
If you want to find out more about the library events, please follow BHA Library on Instagram.
Do you have any current or past professional affiliations and or experiences that help you in your current position?
I have been a Theatre teacher for 15 years! I have a masters in Theatre studies with a specialism in Technical Theatre (Lighting). Whilst at University I had a vocal scholarship and also love to sing (classical originally but now, mostly musical Theatre!)
I have worked in London theatres and at music festivals as a lighting designer.
I lived in London for 10 years and saw lots and lots and lots of professional theatre from dance to plays and musicals.
Where are you from, originally?
I am originally from Yorkshire in the North of England.
How long have you been at BHA? In Korea?
This is my first year at BHA and in Korea
In what other countries have you taught?
I’ve taught in Vietnam and Singapore
What languages do you speak?
I speak English, British Sign Language, Spanish (a little!) and have just started having Korean Lessons!
What are the best things about teaching at BHA?
The student’s passion and enthusiasm for theatre, especially all my fellow Musical Theatre lovers. As someone who loves theatre design, I also feel very lucky to have such great Theatre spaces including the workshop, control room and costume room.
What are you most proud of doing at BHA, so far?
I’ve only been here for a short while but I loved Directing and Producing Freaky Friday and am also very proud of the Staff Pantomime at Christmas!
What inspires you?
I LOVE contemporary physical Theatre and feel really inspired by the incredible theatre companies that are producing amazing work all over the world. I’m also inspired by our student’s passion for performance.
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
My favourite quote is: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work very hard!!
It’s not enough to be talented in the Performing Arts. You also have to keep working, keep improving and taking all opportunities offered to you!
If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
The WEST END (London!) We would see musicals and also contemporary British Theatre - in my opinion the most exciting experimental theatre in the world.
Broadway Musicals are great (New York) but London Theatre is more exciting (and cheaper!)
What is your favorite Korean dish?
BBQ!
What is something you want people to know about you?
I love dogs! When we lived in Singapore it was too hot for a dog and so I am so happy to be living on Jeju and to get a dog - Frida! If I’m not in rehearsals, I’m probably out on adventures with the dog.
Celebrating Student-led Service Projects of the Year
By Soee ParK
Service Prefect of 2023-24
Every project that the Service Council undertakes is a celebration of our service spirit. We, the students, are guided throughout our academic journey to consider the effects of our ideas and actions. As we grow, we work to expand our positive influence on the world with the fundamental responsibility to care for, empathize, and collaborate with others.
With appreciation and admiration, the Service Council has interviewed a selective group of students who have led remarkable service projects over the last year. One student group called 'Yellow Box' led by Yeounseo Kim and Soobin Jeoung, engaged like-minded students in knitting a piece of blanket to be donated to the local single-mother center '애서원.' Another group called 'Pawssible' led by Hyosang Chae and Yubin Cho visited the local Hallim Animal Shelter to directly spend time cleaning the shelter and playing with the dogs.
In particular, I found the student leaders' genuine interest in their topics to be a common motivation for the success of their projects. This aligns with my own experience in service as well. I started my journey as a leader through a small project - by setting up a CASE activity within the Branksome bubble. Observations around the world helped me identify an area that needs our support; collaboration with peers and teachers guided me to the improved direction of creatively engaging with the area of need. After all, taking the initiative did not feel as overwhelming as it vaguely was before because, in reality, it is all a matter of authentic passion and search for positive changes in our community.
Some service acts involve direct action; some involve indirect research of the underlying causes; others involve material and financial support for the issues and needs. From the group 'Red Cross Youth,' which coordinates a blood donation drive seasonally, to the group 'Beyond Learning,' which plans regular teaching sessions for children in the center, service happens in various forms - all invaluable and enriching.
I hope all current and future service leaders at BHA continue to follow their questions and passion, extending their potential and deepening the value of togetherness. Go, service!
At the observation deck of Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park, visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of the forest as the artwork of TheA students on each floor are available to view. TheA is a group activated since 2019, consisting of students from Global Education City who love art. This term, about 20 students from four schools (BHA, KIS, NLCS, and SJA) have been working together in order to enhance communication and connection between generations and overcome established boundaries. This is achieved through art on the theme of various issues in the Jeju community.
TheA members, students in Branksome Hall Asia highly contributed in this exhibition:
The exhibition involves "Time of our lives" by Moonkyung Jeong (G11) and "Freedom" by Yoonseo Jeong (G10), "Unknown Structure" by Yoonseo Kim (G10), "The Egocentric Heart" by Gyuri Kim (G10), "Plop" by Sooyin Lee (G10), and "Glittering" by Joohee Han (G8).
Some of these works are centered on Jeju, with themes of flowers, landscapes, and people, while others are more heavy themes, including environment, war, and intergenerational conflicts that our society must consider. The theme of this season’s exhibition is "Inner" where we investigate new perspectives of viewing the beauty of the environment surrounding us leading to a desire to discover one's own unique and valuable inner self.
As a leader of TheA, I established this theme for the exhibition because I believe it is necessary for us students to continue such activities in order to preserve and promote the Gotjawal forest, which has been heavily damaged.
By Gillian Baker
MYP Individuals and Societies Teacher
Eleven students from Branksome Hall Asia returned home from Bangkok, Thailand following their participation in the THAIMUN conference, a United Nations simulation centered around research and debate. THAIMUN, one of the largest gatherings in East Asia, hosted over 600 student delegates representing schools from nine different countries: Korea, the United States, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Nepal, and Thailand.
Over the course of the three-day conference, students engaged in discussions on political issues, assuming the perspectives of various historical figures and governmental bodies. Their aim was to devise and negotiate practical solutions to real-world problems.
While all students deserve recognition for their dedication and involvement, special acknowledgment goes to our award recipients. SieEun Rhee from grade 11 received Honorable Delegate in her committee. Seowoo (Irene) Kim from and Jiyoon Baek from grade 10 received Best Delegate of their committees, while Seowoo (Irene) Kim also received Honourable Delegate of the whole conference. Distinguishably, Diane Seyeon Lee received Best Chair of all special committees in the conference. The students should take pride in their achievements. Their rigorous engagement in debates, alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, demanded continuous critical thinking and problem-solving.
Additionally, Yujeong Ha from Grade 10, Wieroo Park from Grade 12, and Diane Seyeon Lee from grade 10 assumed the responsibilities of Chairs at the conference. Their tasks, distinct from those of the delegates, began as early as December as they prepared materials and background information for their respective committees. Throughout the conference, they provided constant moderation and guidance to delegates, facilitating debate and fostering skill development.
Branksome Hall Asia looks forward to these students continuing their MUN journey and building on the valuable skills they honed at THAIMUN. Congratulations to all for their hard work and determination.
BTV Interview with Principal Karen Jurjevich - Bridging Branksome Hall Continents
Join us for a captivating glimpse into the journey of Principal Karen Jurjevich, the esteemed leader of Branksome Hall Canada and one of the founding figures of Branksome Hall Asia. After 26 years of dedicated service, Principal Karen recently paid her final visit to our campus, marking the culmination of her tenure as principal of Branksome Hall Canada.
In this interview conducted by our talented BTV students, Principal Karen Jurjevich shares invaluable insights into the inception and evolution of Branksome Hall Asia. She offers her own perspective on the decision-making process and the enduring impact of fostering global connections within the Branksome community.
Discover Principal Karen's reflections on the core values of Branksome Hall students, the significance of continuous growth and learning, and the essence of embracing joy and confidence in every endeavor. Join us as we celebrate Principal Karen's remarkable legacy of leadership and dedication to educational excellence ahead of her retirement this year.
By Mr Flynn Stewart-Franzen
G5 homeroom teacher/ GLC
Grade 5 began their PYP Exhibition journey on March 25. Exhibition is the capstone project of the PYP. During the Exhibition, Grade 5 students each choose a topic and study it using the skills and methods they have learned throughout the PYP. Topics connect to a broad range of issues and phenomena including, but not limited to music, art, psychology, environmental issues, physical sciences, health, recreation and design. The Grade 5 students will be reaching out to experts in their fields of study to ask questions. If you feel you could share your expertise in one of these fields with a Grade 5 student, please fill out this form.
I trust you are as ready as I am for spring to arrive!
The past month has been filled with activity and achievement within our community. Here are some highlights:
Grade 9 exchange culminated in the design and production of wind turbines
The IB-DP Art Exhibition is an amazing showcase of our grade 12 Art students' talents and dedication to creativity and expression
The Junior School’s production of Jungle Book was fantastic and such a joy to experience
I would like to take a moment in this month’s Newsletter to acknowledge someone who has played a vital role in shaping the foundation and culture of Branksome Hall Asia: Karen Jurjevich, the Principal of Branksome Hall Canada. Karen is set to retire at the end of this academic year, marking the culmination of her remarkable 26-year journey at BHC. Throughout her tenure, Karen's leadership has been instrumental in nurturing excellence at Branksome Hall Canada, pushing the boundaries of educational innovation, and empowering young women to realize their full potential.
Karen's impact extends far beyond her personal achievements; it is woven into the broader narrative of women uplifting women, joining a lineage of formidable leaders who have steered students toward success. In 2012, Karen’s visionary outlook led to the establishment of Branksome Hall Asia, demonstrating her unwavering determination and global perspective.
During her recent visit to the campus, we had the opportunity to honor Karen and celebrate her significant contributions. Her presence served as a reminder of the profound connections she has forged and the empathy she has cultivated within our community. Karen’s influence transcends academic realms, fostering a sense of inclusion for all, irrespective of background.
As she prepares to embark on a new chapter in her life, we express our deepest gratitude for Karen's exemplary leadership and commitment to excellence. We are confident that her legacy will serve as a guiding light, inspiring us to mold future leaders and cultivate a more equitable world.
The library team has put together an exciting lineup of author visits that cater to readers of all ages and interests.
Yangsook Choi, author of the beloved classic, The Name Jar, recently worked with G5 students to support their writing. Her workshop “Birth of a picture book” helped students to use their imagination to storyboard, illustrate and hone their problem-solving skills to form the basis of creating a realistic historical fiction story related to their inquiry topic of migration.
In March, author James Sellick will work with students from JKP to G2. James is an award-winning, Empathy lab trained author, playwright and creative director from London. We are excited to offer copies of his books for sale which he will sign during the visit. To order, please complete this form.
April is our annual Book and Poetry celebration. This year we will be hosting Sara Holbrook and Michael Salinger, Outspoken Literacy Consultants as poets in residence from 18th - 24th April. They will be working with students in Upper Junior and Middle School to support their writing and we are planning to hold a Middle School poetry slam to celebrate our G6-8 student voices on the last day.
If you want to find out more about the library events, please follow BHA Library on Instagram.
By Dr. Kerry Norris
Head of Middle School Boarding
Head of Shin Saimdang House
February was a remarkable month for boarding, as we came together to celebrate the power of friendships! We dedicated a special moment on February 13 and 14 to honor the incredible gals in our lives with a joyous Galentine's Day celebration. Boarding students had the opportunity to express their gratitude and affection through heartfelt letters, create beautiful friendship rocks, and indulge in delightful treats together.
Living away from family and immersing oneself in academics can sometimes feel challenging and isolating. That is why the friendships we forge in boarding are truly invaluable. The understanding and unwavering support we receive from our peers during difficult times cannot be quantified—it is a priceless aspect of the boarding experience.
In the spirit of unity and camaraderie, let us cherish and nurture these friendships that bring us immeasurable joy and strength. Together, we create a vibrant and compassionate boarding community that uplifts and sustains each other on this remarkable journey.
