Mrs. Benyapha Kongrod is MWNR’s new Director

Interviewed and translated by Punyawee Dulyayangkul and Chinnawut Jedsadayanmeta, M.6/1

What is your feeling toward the school?

First of all, I would like to say that I am very happy to be here. Matthayom Watnairong School is one of the four schools in this educational area that has English Program.

What is your first role as a new director of Nairong School?

I have looked around in this school. Then I planned to improve the school environment to be cleaner. I have also plans for the school’s security and the students’ health. My school’s security plan is having ID cards for teachers and other people who are working in the school. For the students’ health, I considered about drinking water, air system and other learning equipment such as white boards and markers.

What plan do you have for students this year?

I used the methods of “X-Ray” and PDCA. These so-called methods are to observe each student individually, which is the same as doing researches. These allowed me to know what has been going on in the school.

What is your guideline for students in Nairong School?

“WISDOM and SMART” A person should not only be clever but also needs to be able to use the smartness and turn it into wisdom. Moreover, the student should be aware of the current affairs and improve the abilities of 6Qs. In order to fulfill my goal, I set up a conference to help students to be good leaders.

Are there any differences in managing a Thai high school and an English program high school?

Working in my last school and this school was totally different. In my last school, my main duties were to look after all students by visiting their homes and talking with their parents. However, in this school, my first aim is not to be involved with only students but also teachers. Because this school has an English program, the selection of teachers is much harder. Nonetheless, this school has great support from many organizations such as the Thai Royal Navy, ethical officers, and other foreign teachers.

What is your principle in working and living?

To do my best and be responsible for every action. By this I mean, every action has a consequence, as Buddhism says. I also take the teaching of His Majesty to heart by following the principle of a self-sufficient life and support the growing intelligence of students.

What do you have in store for the next school’s year?

In 2008, I would like to improve the ability and quality of teachers and students to be in the level of international’s students standard. Also, students must be able to compete not only in Thailand but worldwide.

How do you feel about using English as a medium in communication?

English is an excellent tool in connecting people. However, one should not neglect their own original culture. Since English can open doors to other countries, I advice them to exhibit Thai culture to foreigners and adapt the good sides of other cultures. Thus, one should be able to integrate new ideas into oneself without losing one’s own identity.