It is with much excitement and anticipation that I greet you for the first time as the new High School Principal at the International Community School of Bangkok. As an introduction, I thought it might be appropriate to share briefly about myself.

I come to ICS with over 23 years of educational experience both in the classroom and as a high school administrator. My experience has been in both public and private (Christian) education on two continents – North America and Europe. My undergraduate degree is in Music Education, Secondary Level (B.M.) and my graduate degree is in Educational Administration (M.Ed.). I was a recipient of the Salute To Education Award (“Teacher of the Year”) in San Diego County, California and the bands that I directed earned two California State championships and numerous sweepstakes awards and superior ratings. (I’m an avid advocate of Christ-honoring, self-improving competition…competing against yourself!) 
 
In addition to my educational background, my wife and I founded an international mission organization where I served as president for 16 years. We ministered in 13 countries through various avenues of service: large scale humanitarian aid, relief and development, music and child/youth evangelism, church planting, and establishing International Schools of English.

My wife, Kathy, is also an educator and is the developer and teacher of the instructional content for the International School of English DVD program. We have three grown children who all graduated from high school at Black Forest Academy in Germany. My son, Ryan, and his wife, Jaime, live here in Bangkok. Jaime teaches third grade at ICS. My two daughters, Kimberly and Bethany, live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

I have a love for God, His Word (the Holy Bible), and people…especially people I am able to develop relationships with in cross-cultural settings, which brings me to ICS! My first visit to Bangkok was this past March where I was able to witness first-hand the outstanding community of ICS -- in a beautiful country, with excellent staff, great students, and supportive parents, in a loving and caring environment. I was impressed and blessed!

I am both humbled and honored to be your new High School Principal and consider my role here as a servant-leader – helping future leaders reach their potential with their innate God-given talents, abilities, and attributes.

The motto of ICS is the Latin, Coram Deo – “To live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.” (R.C. Sproul) I trust this will be our corporate aim as we work together before the face of God to bring Him the glory that is due His name in every area of our lives – spiritually, physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

Coram Deo!

Gary Opfer,
High School Principal