The Wai Kru Assembly

The Wai Kru Assembly (And other assorted fun stuff.)

29th August, 2007

Wow. Today was an astonishing day for me. I had one of the coolest assemblies at a school that I've ever been to in over 13 years as an educator. In Thai culture, near the beginning of every academic year, at all schools, colleges, and universities, there is a ceremony called Wai Kru. (Sometimes spelled Wai Kruu, or Wai Khru.) The point of the ceremony is for the students to ask their teachers to be their teacher for the year, to pay respect to them, and to pledge to work hard during the year and be a positive part of the class. It certainly fits right in with the Thai norm of respecting elders, respecting teachers, and just maintaining respect in general. The students went through some chants and songs (after singing the Thai National Anthem), then they deliver a flower pot with candles to each teacher, and offer a Wai. I was darn near moved to tears, it was so cool. (I've had a few other events that stand out like this... The Mountain School with Experience Academy, and the closing assembly we had this year when my students gave me quite the send-off to Thailand...)

If you're interested in learning a bit more about the history, here are a few links. Two appear to be from the same school, but have differing level of detail, and different pictures. I've got some pictures below. Then after the school day, I played a bit of golf at Burapha Golf Course, which is right near my school. I have been playing 9 holes on Wednesdays with a bunch of guys...but this will be my last Wednesday for a while, as basketball starts next week. Oh yeah...did I mention that I'll be the HS Girls Basketball Coach? Yep...it's true. Should be fun. Oh...and one more thing...we have to travel to Vietnam to play our "end of season" tournament. Bummer!

Links about the Ceremony:

http://www.sriwittayapaknam.ac.th/thaiculture/waikru.html

http://www.gorsworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=94&Itemid=54

http://www.sriwittayapaknam.ac.th/waikru.html

Click on the picture to see an enlargement. There are a few pictures of my school, the assembly, my bus ride to work, etc. Lots of fun!


The yellow van that picks me up in the mornings to take me to work, driven by Khun Pisai.	A coconut orchard on the way to work.	The courtyard at my school...I'm on the third floor...	And I have to walk up these steps every day! Outside in the heat. But it's a beautiful school with great students. I miss my students from my old school, though.


My "partner in crime" Kris Fering. She's the IB Biology teacher at my school, and a good friend. What is it about Biology teachers? At every school I've taught at, I've become good friends with the biology teacher.	My classroom...from the back.	And looking towards the lab tables. Notice there are only 15 desks. I don't have a single class that uses all of the desks.	The "lounge" area outside my room...the double doors. Too darn hot for me to spend much time on the couch!


Looking towards the elementary school buildings.	Entering the cafeteria for the Wai Kru Assembly. His Majesty, the King, is on the screen.	Looking out towards the students from the stage, where all the teachers sat.	My boss, and the school director and principal, Dr. Rob Brewitt. He's a good guy, and a good boss. (Except he got his Ph.D. at wazzu. I guess nobody's perfect.)


A Buddha statue at the entrance to the assembly. No, this isn't the rotund, bald Buddha you might be used to seeing. Check out this link for more info if you're interested.	A candle and other symbols for the ceremony.	A picture of His Majesty, the King, near the entrance to the assembly.	The flowers that I was given for the Wai Kruu Assembly. They are proudly displayed in my classroom now.


Standing by my flowers after the assembly. This is in Kris's room.	The handout we were given for the assembly.	A look at one of the "gyms" at my school. The other is behind the PE rooms. One of these courts will be where I'll have practice with my HS Girls Basketball Team starting next week.	The small rock-climbing wall at my school. It hasn't been in use much, yet...but I think we'll get it going at some point.


One of the cool plants on our grounds. Not sure what it is, but it looks very cool!	The Lab Assistant for the science department, Khun Nuchart. He's cleaning the fish tank in my room. He is a fantastic guy, and helps set up labs, etc.	The caddies waiting for us to start the golf round. Yes, every round of golf I've played over here (OK, I've only played three times) has been with a caddy. Eat your heart out Craig and Derek!	A view of the golf course...clouds were looming, but we didn't get rained on...just a small drizzle for a few minutes.


My friend from school, Diego, putting on one of the greens.	A view of the course.	Another view...	Looking down one of the fairways...Evie, you probably can't see it...but look at the nearest golf bag on the back of the cart. Go Huskies!
		So...I guess you could say I had a good day.
A view of a drainage ditch at the golf course. Walking over that bridge later in the round I spotted a monitor lizard that must have been at least two and a half to three feet long. It was cool!