Message from Campus Ministry
A Glorious New Chapter
FOUNDATION DAY of May 17, 2006 helps us to open a new Chapter in the glorious history of Ruamrudee International School. We open Chapter No. 50 with memories of God’s blessings for a half century of education in Bangkok. This newsletter speaks of some of our great days of this 49th year. I rejoice with you on each page. I am grateful that happy memories live high among our RIS-RIST family.
As I write this, my thoughts go back a bit farther than this school year. It is easy for me to go back right to the first day of school in 1957, for I was present as our pioneer students filed into their make-shift classrooms in the sala behind Holy Redeemer Church. Father Godbout, the school’s Founder, worried that the wooden bridge over the pond would hold up – hoping to begin a successful adventure for all the students.
The bridge held, and the school grew a grade at a time – until today, 49 years later – we thank God for His Blessings. We celebrate this May 17th. We intend to let our celebration grow all through 2007 – crossing another bridge, strong and secure into a future of hope and confidence.
I think of the Sisters who taught those early grades. Sister Elizabeth is well known to us for we dedicated our Elementary Library to her memory. She was a guiding spirit among the youngest of our students. Parents loved her. Students, on their return for a visit, always wanted to see Sister Elizabeth. Sister Edward, young and cheerful in 1957, returned to us for our last Alumni gathering – older now, but still so cheerful and spreading joy. Great beginnings... growing stronger and stronger each succeeding year. Our school holds its hands over the heart – grateful for Sisters, parents, students, teachers and staff – all the family of Ruamrudee that have walked with us these 49 years.
Whenever our Alumni return for a visit I like to ask them, “Did RIS do well for you?” Surely we shared in their success to some degree. We can boast that our teachers stood like anxious parents as they saw their pupils move on in life – anxious that they would do well and be successful. Since 1967, when our first Alumni moved on to college, our family has stood with folded hands, praying for their happiness and security.
We cannot forget the long line of teachers, principals, staff, that helped write these 49 Chapters, all successful years at Ruamrudee. God bless you!
Father Leo Travis, C.Ss.R.
School Development, Campus Chaplain
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