Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Mater Dei School in Thailand

This week, we (Ms. Nipp & Ms. Chinuntdet) are visiting the Mater Dei School in Bangkok, Thailand. This Ursuline school is considered the top school in Thailand and has a rich history of excellent education. The school is 89 years old and has the distinction of being the only school in Thailand attended by the current King of Thailand (back when they allowed boys, of course). 

The school is a located in the heart of Bangkok and is a beautiful and peaceful oasis compared to the busy city life just outside the gates. More than 1900 K-12 students attend Mater Dei.  We enjoyed meeting the teachers, administrators and Ursuline sisters at Mater Dei but our favorite time was spent with the students. They tell us that they would welcome our students here and that they would love to visit Dallas as well. 

Our warm welcome and time at Mater Dei is only the beginning of what promises to be a long and happy collaboration between our two schools!  

High School students

Posing with School leaders and Ursuline Sisters

We gave Mater Dei a "Serviam" themed gift

Statue of St. Ursula

The large and beautiful Mater Dei Campus

Student Leaders

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Students attend Annual World Affairs Councils' Conference in Washington DC

One of our most treasured partnerships at Ursuline is with the World Affairs Council of DFW. Our membership in this organization gives countless learning opportunities to our students. This week, student leaders from our Jr. World Affairs Club are attending the annual National World Affairs Councils' Conference in Washington DC. The theme of the conference this year is America and the World 2015. Speakers and panels have discussed a wide range of topics including cyber security, Russia and the future of education.

Another special highlight of this conference is an Embassy reception. So, tonight, our students and teachers were guests of the Embassy of Singapore. It was a lovely evening where we learned all about the unique City-State of Singapore from the Ambassador of Singapore and his staff. What a wonderful learning experience this has been for all conference attendees!

Our distinguished delegation of engaged global citizens
Former Mayor of Dallas, Tom Leppert, discussing education with Brandon Busteed of Gallup
UA students with Tom Leppert
China Panel
Panel on Africa's transformation
Surprise! Jacqueline remembered panel moderator Karen Attiah from grade school 
Luncheon keynote speaker, scholar and author Moises Naim

Reception at the Embassy of Singapore
UA students with the Ambassador of Singapore
We also celebrated Jacqueline's birthday today - Happy Birthday! 
Ms. Nipp, Ms. Smith and Mr. Thompson at the Embassy of Singapore