Testimonials
Kind words
See what collaborators, talented individuals and prestigious organisations worldwide say about working with Purnima—from educators and academics to passionate creatives and leading arts, education and publishing organisations.
PASSIONATE MUSEUM EDUCATOR
“Purnima demonstrates a genuine passion for museum education. She is an informed and reflective practitioner whose strong research, organisational and communication skills are complemented by an interest in the needs of diverse audiences. She made valuable contributions not only to the development of resources, programs, but also professional dialogue around a range of issues and ideas, including strategies for engaging multicultural & ESL audiences.”
MUSEUM EDUCATION OFFICER | MICHELE STOCKLEY – HEAD OF NGV EDUCATION | THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA, NGV
CREATIVE PRACTITIONER
“Purnima is a very creative practitioner who strives to ensure her lessons are engaging and interesting. Her knowledge of visual literacy is employed in conjunction with English, providing students opportunities to engage with creative outlets.”
SECONDARY ENGLISH TEACHER| VIC ASHDOWN – HEADTEACHER | VALLEY PARK SCHOOL, UK
KNOWLEDGEABLE EDUCATOR
“Purnima’s understanding of pedagogy, art history and creative writing is excellent. She understands how students learn best: carefully worded, well-planned lessons, dynamic classes incorporating discussion, visual aids, group work, hands on experience and reflection – inclusive of all students’ learning styles.”
SECONDARY ENGLISH TEACHER | JILL ALLEN & DIANE BRAIDEN – HEADS OF FACULTY | PRESENTATION COLLEGE WINDSOR, AUSTRALIA
ENGAGING ACADEMIC
“Purnima is always thoroughly prepared and delivers her lessons with great detail, professionalism and enthusiasm, underpinned by her expertise in her field of academic studies … Her students always receive well structured, thoroughly researched and engaging lessons.”
EAL TEACHER | SAM GIBILISCO – ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF STUDIES ELICOS | CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE, AUSTRALIA
INSPIRING EDUCATOR
“She consistently inspires students to take real pride in their work, resulting in students producing work of incredibly high quality. She produces beautiful resources to accompany all her teaching and shares these with the department.”
SECONDARY ENGLISH TEACHER | DR KRISTINA JACKETS – HEAD OF FACULTY | THE TIFFIN GIRLS’ SCHOOL, UK
DEDICATED TEACHER
“Purnima understands the importance of building strong relationships with both her colleagues and students – the time and effort she puts in to supporting students with their work is excellent. The skills and knowledge that Purnima brought to the English department are very strong – especially in her abilities to engage students in creative writing.”
SECONDARY ENGLISH TEACHER | IAN KEARY – HEADTEACHER | THE TIFFIN GIRLS’ SCHOOL, UK
INNOVATIVE ROLE MODEL
“In the time that Purnima has been employed at Bangkok Patana School, she has shown herself to be trustworthy, honest and reliable; showing sensitivity, compassion and respect for others. Purnima demonstrates imagination, enthusiasm and dedication as well as having the communication skills and physical and mental toughness to be a quality member of the profession. Purnima is an outstanding secondary English teacher who is the perfect student role model as she has previously published many books and educational texts. She is a highflier no doubt.”
SECONDARY ENGLISH TEACHER | MATTHEW G. MILLS – HEAD OF SCHOOL |
BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
COMPASSIONATE EDUCATOR
“A true teacher in every sense of the word. Ms. Purnima exemplifies what it means to teach not just with knowledge, but with compassion, wisdom and genuine love. She possesses a rare and beautiful balance of deep intellect and boundless kindness – a teacher who nurtures her students with care, attention and unwavering support. Her dedication and empathy have made her beloved by her students, and her heartfelt commitment to their growth is truly moving. I feel immense admiration and gratitude for the profound knowledge and sincere love she brings to her role.”
INSPIRING LITERARY PASSION
“Under your guidance, we continue to observe that our daughter’s passion for English and storytelling truly soars. We greatly appreciate your dedication and thank you for being such an inspiration to her. It’s especially wonderful to hear her excitedly share at the dinner table what she has learnt from you and how she’s already applying these techniques to her writing projects across many subjects. We thank you for your continued support in her English learning journey.”
SECONDARY ENGLISH TEACHER | PARENT | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
IGNITING A NEWFOUND LOVE FOR WRITING
“Thanks for encouraging my son with his creative writing. He’s really enjoyed the current task and whenever we’ve looked into his room this week, we’ve seen him writing, writing, writing and then coming to tell us about it – even letting us read it. Thanks for unlocking his creativity. He’s becoming this creative dude we never knew he was! You’ve created a love for writing in him we didn’t realise he had. Last night, he read his poem to us and shared the context. Thanks so much for inspiring him – it’s been amazing to see this side of him.”
SECONDARY ENGLISH TEACHER | PARENT | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
DELIVERING A STANDOUT POETRY SHOWCASE
“I would like to thank you once again for the Poetry Showcase event. To me, this is the greatest event I have witnessed at BPS in many years. Although the scale of the event was not school-wide, I could see and feel how much dedication you and students have put into it. The quality of presentations, speeches, songs, sequences, and passions of students and teachers were up to the standards that I could call it the best International school in Asia Pacific. I sincerely thank you. You made the day for many of us.”
SPOKEN WORD POETRY SHOWCASE ECA FACILITATOR | PARENT | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
EMPOWERING YOUNG PERFORMERS
“The Poetry Showcase was truly a special moment for us. Watching my daughter perform with such confidence was unforgettable. I know it must have taken a lot of dedication and coaching to get her there, and we are deeply thankful for the time and care you invested, and in giving her this wonderful opportunity. We hope she carries this experience with her as a reminder of what she is capable of if she just focuses and puts her mind on goals she wants to achieve. Thank you again for everything you’ve done to support her.”
SPOKEN WORD POETRY SHOWCASE ECA FACILITATOR | PARENT | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE
“That was exceptional. What an amazing event. The best public speaking that I have seen in Patana. You have inspired our students and prepared them so well. Congratulations and thank you!”
SPOKEN WORD POETRY SHOWCASE ECA FACILITATOR | SECONDARY PRINCIPAL | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
CHAMPIONING STUDENT VOICES FOR CHANGE
“Well done! You must be so proud of your students. They were articulate, passionate and informed – what more could we ask! The production was always slick and I know that doesn’t happen by itself so thank you for the HOURS and HOURS you have no doubt invested. As someone who has been flying the DEIJ flag and hoping it was making even a small difference, this afternoon was incredibly affirming. I love how these themes are now living in our curriculum and our young people get to put their voices to these concepts. Fantastic job!”
SPOKEN WORD POETRY SHOWCASE ECA FACILITATOR | CINDY ADAIR – CROSS CAMPUS PRINCIPAL | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
CAPTIVATING LIVE PERFORMER
“Well done for stunning the street … really loved having your vibe … you were ace … you rocked it; we all loved your words, willingness and wonderfulness.”
POETRY PERFORMER | PAUL LYALLS – CURATOR | WHITECROSS STREET FESTIVAL, UK
ENERGY IN PERFORMANCE
“A mesmeric performer!”
PERFORMANCE POET | ISLINGTON GAZETTE | UNITED KINGDOM
SPOKEN WORD FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
“Purnima delivered a powerful spoken-word poem entitled Embrace Equity in honor of the 2023 campaign theme … Through her words, Purnima inspires collective activism to drive change … thank you for your talent and support.”
POETRY PERFORMANCE | INTERNATIONAL WOMENS’ DAY ORGANISATION
POETRY THAT INSPIRES ACTION
“A poem so galvanising! So humbled to witness the recital!”
POETRY PERFORMER FOR LAUNCH OF YUWANA ZINE IN HONOUR OF IWD 2021 | ASEAN YOUTH FORUM
INSPIRING EQUITY THROUGH POETRY
“The wonderfully talented Purnima Ruanglertbutr performed her poem ‘Embrace Equity’ at Bangkok Patana School yesterday as we celebrated International Women’s Day. An inspiration to our students and we are so lucky that she works with us.”
SPOKEN WORD PERFORMANCE IN HONOUR OF IWD 2023 | HEAD OF SECONDARY | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
INSPIRING THROUGH POETRY
“As always your poetry is truly inspirational – thank you for sharing.”
POETRY PERFORMER | HELEN THEW – CROSS CAMPUS PRINCIPAL | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
VOICE FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
“You continue to inspire me. And I absolutely love the poem and the telling of it. Let the waves come.”
PERFORMANCE POET | CHRIS SAMMONS – HEAD OF SCHOOL | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
INSPIRING YOUNG POETS: SCHOOL VISIT
“Thank you again for giving up your time to provide us with what I knew would be such a wonderful, inspiring and interesting performance. How lucky the students are! Year 5 learned about rainforests, exploring poetry and writing poems celebrating their beauty. Each class selects one poem to perform at our Poetry Competition. We loved having you come to talk about poetry with Year 5 and perform some to kick-start our unit of learning. Listening to a ‘modern day’ poet perform in person is an inspiration for our students.”
VISITING POET | ALICE LESLIE – CLASS TEACHER & YEAR 5 ASSISTANT LEADER OF LEARNING | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
CELEBRATING PRIMARY POETS
“A huge thank you to you for your contributions on the panel of judges at the Year 5 Poetry Celebration. The students were over the moon with their feedback from you!”
PANEL JUDGE, YEAR 5 POETRY CELEBRATION | Lex Nicholson – Primary Drama Teacher | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
MESMERISING PERFORMANCES
“Unbelievable talent, I was lost in translation!!! Mesmerizing … Congratulations Purnima!”
SPOKEN WORD POETRY SHOWCASE ECA FACILITATOR | MATTHEW G. MILLS – HEAD OF SCHOOL | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
LIVE POETRY SET
“Thank you so much for a great set!”
POETRY PERFORMER | PAUL LYALLS – HOST ‘POETRY & POPPADUMS’ | COLLAGE ARTS LONDON, UK
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR
“Purnima’s teaching style – enthusiastic and encouraging … the questions that Purnima posed were great places to start and to help the writer to keep going when stuck. Good balance of information plus time for participants to try out different writing exercises.”
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR FOR POETRY MONTH AUSTRALIA | CAROLINE REID – POET, WRITER, PERFORMER | RED ROOM POETRY, AUSTRALIA
MASTERCLASS FACILITATOR
“I watched your Masterclass … it was phenomenal … so engaging and professional … made me want to write a book!”
MASTERCLASS FACILITATOR ON ‘HOW TO USE VISUAL ART TO INSPIRE CREATIVE WRITING’ | CINDY ADAIR | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LEADER | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
LEADING THE TAPs CREATIVE JOURNEY
“During our Cross Campus team meetings, we have a ‘kudos to staff section’. Your name was mentioned for the huge amount of work and effort you have put into the TAPs programme. You have amazing attention to detail and such a passion. Your passion also clearly shone out through your students as the Year 7s delivered their poetry pieces.”
TAPS PROJECT LEAD | HELEN THEW – CROSS CAMPUS PRINCIPAL | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
COLLABORATIVE RESEARCHER
“Purnima’s research collaborations have included publications in peer-reviewed and professional journals, invitations to present at national and international conferences, successful implementation of an innovative teacher-practice research project, development of an arts education focused HERDC certified research journal, guest lectureships, the training of our MEd candidates, and the curator of exhibitions. Purnima’s attention has remained focused on education, and applications of this knowledge and experience into the classroom.”
RESEARCH ASSISTANT & CURATOR FOR TEACHER-AS-PRACTITIONER PROJECT| DR. WESLEY IMMS – ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION – AUSTRALIA
OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR & ARTIST-EDUCATOR
“Purnima possesses a rare range of skills, being a well-credentialed artist, teacher, an outstanding scholar, a creative writer, a specialist in the relationship between art and literacy … This enormous wealth of professional expertise makes her an outstanding artist-educator. I would not hesitate to say Purnima has the work ethic, talent, sharp, inquiring intelligence and wealth of knowledge of arts administration and arts education to lead a commanding position locally and internationally.”
RESEARCH ASSISTANT & CURATOR FOR TEACHER-AS-PRACTITIONER PROJECT| DR. WESLEY IMMS – ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION – AUSTRALIA
ORGANISED COORDINATOR
“Purnima delivered an exciting and amazingly successful program lauded by all, involving over 300 people … created a generous environment where people felt welcome and included, demonstrating Purnima’s skills as an organiser, capacity to take leadership and deliver. She is an intelligent, organised, motivated and careful person who takes great pride in her work and is able to both see the overview and attend to the details.”
COORDINATOR OF THE ART ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE – INTER-DISCIPLINE| A/PROFESSOR BARBARA BOLT | FACULTY OF THE VICTORIAN COLLEGE OF THE ARTS – AUSTRALIA
METICULOUS CURATOR
“Purnima’s very professional approach, dedication, careful attention to detail and deadlines made the whole exhibition project run very smoothly from our very first meeting to the conclusion … the exhibition was a great success, engaging the participation of alumni, staff, students and the broader veterinary community, attracting large visitation.”
CURATED EXHIBITION | PROFESSOR BRUCE PARRY | THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE – AUSTRALIA
CELEBRATING STAFF CREATIVITY AND TALENT
“Congratulations on ‘Patana Canvases’ to you and your colleagues. The range of creativity was wonderful and, no doubt, inspiring to students. It gave insights into lives and world views beyond the day-to-day of school routines which is enriching for all in the community. It was also great to showcase a wide variety of staff highlighting the depth of talent in our midst. Thank you to you and your colleagues for putting on a great show. I hope it can continue. An appreciative parent.”
EXHIBITION CURATOR | PARENT | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
CURATING AN IMPACTFUL CREATIVE JOURNEY
“WOW what an awesome event and conclusion to an awesome project. Sorry, “project” doesn’t seem adequate for what you put together. You must be so proud! Well done and thanks for the invite to be a small part of it. Well done and congratulations!”
EXHIBITION CURATOR | COKE SMITH – TAPS PROGRAMME PARTICIPANT & CURRICULUM LEADER, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE | BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
CO-AUTHOR FOR EDUCATION TEXTBOOK
“The extraordinary books, ‘Inspired English’, are an exceptional program that fosters critical and creative analysis and writing. I have started using them with my year 8 in English to great effect. The students so far have loved this approach. The writing exercises are supported by beautifully sequenced and scaffolded exercises…”
CO-AUTHOR FOR EDUCATION TEXTBOOK |HEAD OF LEARNING INNOVATION | ELTHAM COLLEGE, AUSTRALIA
PROFICIENT WRITER
“Purnima is highly proficient in writing and resourcing information to be published in top-end lifestyle and arts magazines. Her photography also displays her creative talent in capturing shots worthy of publication in magazines.”
EDITORIAL WORK |AVRIL LIM – EDITOR | EXPAT WEEKEND MAGAZINE – THAILAND
ENRICHING POETRY TEACHING APPROACHES
“Thank you for such wonderful resources for the Year 8 ekphrastic poetry unit. I haven’t taught poetry writing in years – to be honest, I’ve always been a bit afraid of teaching poetry writing – and it’s given me a new life. My Year 8s did a gallery walk last week and they’re writing an ode to one of the paintings (after we read Neruda’s Ode to a Tuna in the Marketplace). I’m following up with your lesson on what ekphrasis is and then moving to Rothko and Van Gogh. So…thank you for your inspiration and resources!”
CO-AUTHOR, TEACHER RESOURCE | JENNIFER AVILA – SECONDARY ENGLISH TEACHER| BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL, THAILAND
Purnima
Get to Know
Purnima is a multi-disciplinary artist, author, poet, teacher and researcher whose diverse contributions have gained awards and international recognition.
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Contact Purnima for more information about her creations, projects, workshop facilitation, bookings for talks & performances or for press, media inquiries and collaborations.