Redemptorist Fathers Announce Our New Director
Fr. Wirach Amonpattana has been named by the Redemptorist Fathers of Thailand as the new Director of Ruamrudee International School effective March 2005. For the last three years, Fr. Wirach has served as Assistant for Curriculum & Instruction to Fr. Apisit Kritsaralam, who will continue to be involved in the school’s administration as Headmaster of RIS. Earlier this year, Fr. Apisit was elected to the important position of Redemptorist Vice Provincial, responsible for leadership of the Redemptorist congregation in Thailand.
Says Fr. Apisit: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my term as Director of RIS! I would like to express my gratitude for the warm cooperation that I have received from parents, teachers, administrators, and staff. I will still be around as Headmaster and am glad to remain a part of this community. I know that Fr. Wirach has everyone’s excellent support as he steps in as the new director.”
Fr. Wirach Amonpattana (pictured at left with Fr. Apisit) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Administration from Thailand, a Master’s degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University. While in New York he worked as a counselor for people with HIV and AIDS, and with alcohol and substance abusers in the Bronx. He has also counseled families and children with mental disabilities in foster care in New York. Fr. Wirach spent his first five years of priesthood developing educational programs for poor children in remote areas of North and Northeastern Thailand – founding the Nan Center for Children which provides boarding facilities and education for hilltribe children.
“What I like best about working at Ruamrudee is the feeling of camaraderie and fellowship, working as a team and sharing pride in our collective progress,” says Fr. Wirach. As assistant to the director, Fr. Wirach has supervised and worked closely with the principals, curriculum and technology coordinators, pupil services staff, and parents of RIS and RIST. Fr. Wirach represented our schools at the UNI, Search Associates Cambridge, and ISS Boston teacher recruitment fairs this past February.
“We did very well at the fairs – I think teachers were drawn by the warmth and humor that flowed in our team. We work very hard but always look like we’re having a great time.” A statement that aptly sums up the atmosphere at our Campus!
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