Hatyaiwittayalai School

Labelled a world class school, it is home to about 4000 students. In Hatyai, parents queue up to put their children in the school; known to many as the school of hope and a bright future.

It was our privilege to be given a chance to visit the school and see how a world class school functions.

On arrival we were greeted with Thai hospitality and warmth and it was with ease we caught up with one another.

Yes, a hello here and a hello there. How do you do?

Jafny and Zaharol were glad they came along; much to see and much to learn about.

Pretty maids all in a row; it is good to see the teachers smile; they are all good, hardworking people. They love the school and in one spirit build up Seafield. Malays, Chinese, Indians alike; they all behave as one in school.

Handsome and beautiful are my teachers. Don't they look good in the batik?

Hatyaiwittayalai School spreads on a wide span of land; the blocks of buildings are at least 3 storeys high.

Discipline is tight here. The girls are not supposed to have their hair below the shoulders; to be slightly below the ears only. Teachers too put on uniforms every Monday. Smart.

A peek at the Art Gallery. There were many impressive pieces and the art teacher was especially groovy. The art lane looks so old but original.

The library teacher grasped the chance of knowing as much as she could; she was informed that the library was manned by 4 full time staff. That got her super jealous and envious. She is a gem to the school.

Encik Ramli was the man who connected us to the school and here we see him explaining matters to our PTA chief; Dato Rahman and Yazid.

We both serve in the same position in school ; assistants to our heads.

Notice their attire and hairstyles; the same be it in the classroom or outside. What a pleasant change.

Great basketball court and so they produce great players.

They create reading spaces for learning and interaction outside the classroom.

We were told that the drama classes were a hit among the children; Thailand is well known for her cultural dances; a people who love songs and performances. So drama is offered as a subject.

The Director of the school spoke highly of the drama performances.

This is an expression of love for neighboring partners.

Here again we see collaboration and group work in progress in between formal learning classes.

Everywhere we go we noticed this deep respect they have for their Monarch.

The canteen is big; enough to feed 4ooo students. There were more than 20 individual stalls offering choices to students who could eat at anytime of the day whenever they are free.

This is their ICT centre where expressions of the latest technology are kept and used.

Outside, the PTA of the Hatyai school were too willing to relate with us. They raise a million or so annually to meet the school's needs ! They were informative but alas, speak no word of English. We were cats and dogs and depended on interpreters for help.

Walking round the school, the principal insisted on...

... a bus like this too. We must insist that the PTA of Seafield buy us one like this ! What a tall order indeed.

The Indian man; Mr. John is a Malaysian from Penang ! Oh how good it was to speak a common language with him.

He told us that the students would come into the school each day through that particular gate and before anything else would pay respect to the alter as they enter into the compound of the school . A cross cultural influence that gels the school community.

The Director of the school stated that the school hopes to achieve greater recognition in their pursuit of success and wants to be associated with top Asean Schools...think Asean think Hatyaiwittayalai ... that's her vision.

The School of Future Leaders also has an offer to make; you want to learn English? Come to Seafield. Think English, Think Seafield! So we make counter offers.

Puan Lim talked about cultural acceptance in the country and asked how this was done... assimilation is the word.

The rest of us shared other views...Mr. Gan on the strategies used to achieve their vision.

We hope to offer our services in the learning of English; are they willing to take us? We hope for a future collaboration.

Another one captured for the school Glad that we were given a chance to be brought round the grounds and learn about their best practices.

The Hatyaiwittayalai Experience.