4837(II)_Challenging journey with the young in Bangkok
Saint Dominic School almost 60 years at the heart of Bangkok
August 31, 2018
Bangkok, Thailand, 31 August 2018 -- Almost 2300 students and 173 teachers and staff of St Dominic School (Primary and Secondary education) at the heart of Bangkok are slowly preparing for their 60th anniversary. The three SDB-strong community (Rector and Principal Fr. Paul Manoon). This school is located just across the Petchaburi Rd. 50 meters distance from Don Bosco Technological College with 1300 working youth preparing for their life through professional education.
60 years is almost one human life-time and also the school community and school infrastructures did change a lot over past decades. The most visible sign of the school renovation is the 2009 new classroom building and another 9 story construction to be finished next May 2019 with multi-store car-park, many special classrooms and on the top one covered football field.
Thousand of boys spent in this school 6 or even 12 years of their education and human growth, for many of them was the first encounter with Catholic community, with Jesus disciples and with Gospel inspired values. No wonder, that the Alumni of St Dominic school are among the main supporters of their Alma Mater. Also the first class school facilities with hi-tech laboratory, e-learning, swimming pool and other modern equipment does foster an integral human education.
With 157 Catholics among the 2260 students and 27 Catholics among the 173 teachers. Also St Dominic school does mirror the diaspora Catholic Church of Thailand. Among the opportunities to whisper the Gospel to the hearts of those who never met Jesus Christ. Daily good morning talk, ethic class for the non Catholic, catechesis for the Catholic boys (2 full time and 7 part time lay catechists), wonderful decoration, statutes and school motto: Diligence, piety and cheerful is visible on the campus. During last 10 years most of the special spaces around the campus carry the name of Salesian family saints (Library of Mamma Margaret, Playground of Garelli, Meeting hall of Rinaldi).
Many outstanding Salesians are Past Pupils of St Dominic, but now with the nuclear families in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, the vocation culture faces many challenges. Many young teachers are leaving the school for greener pastures due to the passing of government exam (the public school in Thailand offers safe and well paid job with pension, unlike the private school system). In spite of many challenges the St Dominic school community animated by 3 SDB is looking with optimism on the future and walks in faith and joy with the spirit of their Saint Patron.
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