Baan Nong Phue School

As readers of this blog know, we visited three schools in Thailand in October 2012 and decided that the Baan Nong Phue School was the best fit for us.  It has about 500 students in grades 1 through 9, as well as a pre-K school.  It's about 22 kms (14 miles) from Khemmarat (where we live) and the beautiful Mekong River.

From our experience so far, most schools in rural Thailand look very similar -- with a very large field in the front and classroom and administrative buildings facing the field.  Baan Nong Phue is like that.

Each morning, there is a flag ceremony with all students present for the raising of the Thai flag, singing of the Thai national anthem, and recitation of a prayer. 

Student dress varies by the day of the week.  The pictures above were taken on Monday and Friday, when students (except those in pre-K) wear uniforms with white shirts.

On Tuesdays, students (and teachers) wear pink to honor the King.

Wednesday is P.E. day.



And Thursday is Scout day. 

                    

The band plays every day -- in the uniform of the day.




















The Thai government has declared a mandatory English day on Mondays during which students are to speak English.  Baan Nong Phue invited us to speak to the students in English during the flag ceremony.

Staying warm is not a problem in Isaan (the northeast section of Thailand, where Baan Nong Phue is located).  As we approach the winter solstice, we're finally having some almost-cool mornings.  But staying cool certainly can be a problem, and we haven't been here for the hot season yet!  The school buildings, like very many buildings we've seen in rural Thailand, are pretty much open to the outdoors.  There's no heating system, of course, and, with the exception of a few administrative rooms, there's no air conditioning.  George has been lucky so far working in classrooms that have cross ventilation and fans so that the temperature has been OK.  Mary has had a much bigger problem with the heat here. 

We've met many wonderful teachers, who have been so kind to us since we arrived -- helping us adjust to the school, telling us at lunch about the delicious feasts they provide, and helping us understand Thailand better.  Here are the teachers we work with every week:

Wachinee (Platong Khotsombat for our Facebook friends), who is the reason we're at Baan Nong Phue and who brings us here everyday from Khemmarat on her way to work






















Thanorm



Kanoklada

Supachai

Toom

 

 Ulai

Pairat

Sukid

 



Yen

















With all that help, Mary and George have tried to improve the English skills of the students of Baan Nong Phue.



Mary made songbooks for the primary classes, and this class is sure happy with its books.



George needs to work on some games for his classes.

 

And Mary works hard in the "office" apartment at home getting the teaching materials ready.

Lunch time is an adventure for us farang (which means foreigner, but we understand the term comes from a word to describe the French from the time that they were the most prominent foreigners in Thailand).  Lunch is prepared under the supervision of Thearm, who also serves it up.

With more than 500 students and one lunch hour, there have to be multiple "cafeterias," and teachers help with the serving.

 

And then the teachers get to eat.

When we first visited Baan Nong Phue, the Director of the school had just retired and we were welcomed by Acting Director Monthian.  We have very much enjoyed getting to know her.

At the end of November, new permanent Director Sutipong arrived. We will enjoy getting to know him.

Muei works in the administrative office and helps with copying and other office support.

 The school has a lovely "gazebo" in front of the Director's office, which they have kindly let us use as an "office" between classes.  It is a lovely spot that we really enjoy.



After lunch, we get a ride back to Khemmarat from Toom Tam in a songtheaw -- it's a picturesque and windy drive; we feel safe in Toom Tam's good hands.  It's always a treat to get good-bye waves from the students on our way out of school.



                                                                             

Our thanks to all the good people of Baan Nong Phue -- teachers, staff, and students -- for making us feel a part of your family.