20201211 Mulan, The Orchid Among the Thorns

Living Library, James Sellick visit and more

 

BHA Library Team

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.

Kate Soper, Theatre Teacher

 

What is your position at BHA? 

Theatre Teacher

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!

TheA Gotjawal Exhibition

 

By Moonkyung Jeong (Grade 11)  

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.

 

THAIMUN 2024

 

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.

Watch the video

Be a PYP Expert

 

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.

Be a PYP Expert!