International Mother Language Day, established by UNESCO in 1999, serves to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The day is intended to increase awareness about the importance of preserving and promoting mother languages, which are an essential component of an individual's cultural identity. The occasion also acknowledges the sacrifices made by the Language Movement activists in Bangladesh, who fought for their right to speak their mother tongue.

This year, Prem celebrated International Mother Language Day in a way that honoured students’ right to speak their mother language and their responsibility to explore new ones.  In addition to engaging in activities in their own mother languages planned by our amazing parent community, students were given opportunities to explore new languages. This exploration was made possible by the exciting language activities planned by the Senior School students. 

Student involvement and excitement played a key role in the celebration. Middle school and high school students led various fun mother tongue activities at the language booths in the Prem Quad. In addition, senior school students volunteered and read stories to younger children in different languages, resulting in a beautiful experience of culture through language diversity. During the assemblies, students learned about the International Mother Language day, reflected on how Prem celebrates linguistic diversity, shared greetings and sang songs in different languages. The JS Student Council highlighted the connection between language and culture in an informative presentation about Chinese New Year!

International Mother Language Day celebration was a beautiful tribute to the IB commitment to multilingualism and language learning. The engagement of the parent community and student body in this event exemplified the importance of preserving and promoting mother languages for future generations. This would not have been possible without the incredible support of the school's parent community. The proactive group of parents responded enthusiastically to the call for support and planned language activities that introduced students to new languages and cultures. Thank you! 

Mayada Bayomi, English as an Additional Language Coordinator
Tammy Gaysek, MYP/DP English Teacher, Literacy & Mother Tongue Coordinator

Last weekend you could have been forgiven for thinking Prem was haunted such were the ghoulish and ghostly emanations from the Senior School.

Yes, this last week, we had the pleasure of bringing Susan Hill's electrifying ghost story The Woman in Black to the stage in the drama studio. This small cast play featured just three actors playing all the roles and swapping roles every night. The story explores the eerie world of Eel Marsh House and the hauntings of a mysterious woman and ends with a spine-chilling finale. Many who came to see the performance can testify to the skill of the performers in raising the tension and atmosphere to levels such that audience members screamed out loud during the show.

I would like to thank the community for supporting drama at Prem and especially the PSC,Khun Viroj and his team and teacher Mark Bosworth and the arts faculty for supporting the production. Congratulations to David, Andreas and Nicolai in G11 Theatre who have grown so much as performers and delivered their parts with elan!

Ian Johnston
Director of Drama

Last Friday, the entire school, both teachers and students, donned vibrant red attire to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The Quad buzzed with excitement as everyone gathered to witness a spectacular performance by G3/4 students showcasing the traditional Chinese art of dragon and lion dance. The dedication and hard work put into rehearsals by the G3/4 students truly paid off, delivering a captivating performance that beautifully encapsulated the essence of Chinese culture.

The event kicked off with enlightening introductions to Chinese New Year and the significance of the dragon and lion dance by four non-Chinese-speaking students. Their fluency in both Chinese and English added a unique touch, fostering understanding and appreciation among the audience. Following this, Mona IEP Grade 5 treated everyone to a mesmerising performance on the traditional Chinese instrument, the guzheng, adding a melodic dimension to the celebration.

The highlight of the day was, undoubtedly, the dragon and lion dance. The energetic and colourful display brought smiles to every face, showcasing not only the students' skills but also their enthusiasm for embracing different cultures. What made the occasion even more special was the participation of our Head of School Rachel, Director of Boarding Linda, Junior School Principal Justin, Senior School Principal Shaun and Head of IEP Jennifer in the lion dance. They gracefully received symbolic oranges from the lion's mouth, signifying good luck, and presented red envelopes containing New Year blessings. This involvement emphasised the unity within our school community.

The entire event served as a remarkable opportunity to showcase Prem's commitment to intercultural learning and understanding. The diverse performances and active engagement of the Senior Leadership Team conveyed a powerful message about the school's dedication to fostering cultural awareness. The joyous atmosphere resonated throughout the whole community, leaving a lasting impression of the charm and richness of Chinese culture. As we continue to celebrate cultural diversity, events like these strengthen the bonds within our school community and enhance our global perspective. Here's to more cultural celebrations and shared moments of understanding at Prem!

Peter Wang, Mandarin A Teacher & Jing Jia (Maggie), Mandarin B Teacher

Celebrating Young Authors and Illustrators: Creative Writing Club for Grades 1-5

In the last Exploria term, students in Grades 1 to 5 had an exciting time in the Creative Writing Club. The club is all about helping young writers learn and have fun with different types of stories. Some kids wrote stories by themselves while others worked together to write and draw stories.

During the Exploria sessions, everyone worked hard to create different kinds of stories. Some liked doing it on their own and others liked working with friends to make stories together. The main goal was to make a final piece that everyone could be proud of and share with the Creative Writing Club.

As time went on, everyone got more and more excited about the big finish—the Publishing Party. On the last day of Exploria, the club got together to celebrate all the young writers and artists. They sat in a circle and each person took a turn sharing their stories, songs, comics, and poems. There was a lot of laughter, snacks, and everyone was amazed by how creative the young thinkers were.

The Publishing Party was not just a show-and-tell, but a time for the group to enjoy each other's work and feel proud of what they achieved. There were snacks, stories, and the room was filled with the happiness of finishing something special.

"We were so impressed by how creative these young minds are," said teacher Grace, who leads the club with teacher Alix. "When kids have a place where they can share and support each other, amazing things happen."

The Creative Writing Club wasn't just about writing alone; it also showed how fun it is to work together to make stories. The students learned how to give helpful feedback to each other and enjoyed seeing their ideas turn into stories and drawings with the help of their friends.

As the Publishing Party ended, everyone was excited about the next session of the Creative Writing Club. "We can't wait to see what stories the kids come up with next time!" said Ajarn Alix. With a successful term behind them, the Creative Writing Club for Grades 1-5 shows that young writers have so many creative ideas. They're already thinking about the amazing stories they'll create in the sessions to come.

Grace Gedrich
Grade 2 Teacher

Education Fair ChiangMai

On Saturday, 24 February, the Prem Admissions/Marketing/Student Ambassador team was fully engaged showing off Prem at the Chiang Mai Education Fair held at the Shangri-La. With over 400 registered families, the atmosphere was buzzing with enthusiasm from the moment the fair opened its doors at 9:00 a.m. until a gradual slowdown around 3:00 p.m. The response from those who visited our extensive display was overwhelmingly positive.

As well as our team engaging individuals and families, two multimedia presentations provided a comprehensive insight into the exceptional curricular and co-curricular opportunities that come with a Prem education. Parents were particularly impressed with our Student Ambassadors who confidently engaged visitors in multiple languages. Many thanks to Athena, Beeya, Sonam, Sophia, TIll Till and Zhifang for their exceptional contribution to marketing Prem that day. 

Adding to our allure were impressive performances by two of our Music Academy students. Daisy, G5, mesmerised the audience with her piano performance of Theme and Variations by Pagannin and won 2nd prize in the Junior Section. Christina, G12, stole the spotlight with a stellar vocal performance of Time to Say Goodbye, earning the coveted first place in the Senior Talent Show. The talent and dedication displayed by our students not only reflected their individual capabilities but also underscored the nurturing environment and opportunities provided at Prem.

The positive response and genuine interest exhibited by the attending families serve as a testament to the reputation and excellence that Prem upholds. It's a reaffirmation of our commitment to providing a holistic educational experience that nurtures talent, fosters creativity, and empowers students to excel in all facets of life.

We eagerly look forward to welcoming new members into our vibrant school community.

Tam Fawcett
Director Marketing & Admissions

College & Career Activities

The Prem College Office is busy with activities aimed at helping our students prepare for their future college applications and career aspirations. Here are some examples of what has been going on and what is coming up:

On 16 February, representatives from Bhutan's Royal Thimphu College paid us a visit. They interacted with many of our students, providing insight into life as a student in Bhutan and the diverse range of courses offered at their institution. Prem is hoping to create some kind of collaboration with Royal Thimpu College for our students in the future.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting events planned. Next week, on 4 March at 12 p.m. in the Senior School Undercroft, we will host representatives from various universities throughout the United States for our Mini USA Fair. This will be an excellent opportunity for students to learn about study programmes, admission requirements, and campus life at these institutions. Following closely on 15 March, we will hold a Mini Australia Fair in the senior school, where we will be joined by universities including the University of Sydney. Students can learn about study opportunities in Australia, interact with representatives, and get valuable information about pursuing an education there.

In addition to these engagements, we held a College and Careers Marketplace event on 28 February. This event provided an invaluable resource for our Grade 11 students as they prepare to navigate the complexities of college applications. At the event, Grade 12 mentors manned various tables, each focusing on a different aspect of college applications and career paths. Our mentors provided tailored and practical advice to our students' diverse interests, including "Applying to Canada," "Careers in Arts and Communication," and "Tips on how to reduce application stress." The setting allowed for meaningful interactions, giving students firsthand knowledge and guidance to help them gain confidence as they prepare to begin their academic and professional careers. The overwhelming positive response from our Grade 11 students demonstrates the importance of first hand advice and experiences provided by our Grade 12 mentors. As we reflect on the success of this event, we would like to thank our Grade 12 mentors for their dedication and support. Their willingness to share their experiences has undoubtedly had a long-term impact on our Grade 11 students, providing them with some of the tools they will need to confidently navigate the future. 

We warmly invite parents to join us at our upcoming mini fair events. It would be an excellent opportunity for parents to connect directly with universities, learn about scholarships, visas, and student life, and gain a better understanding of tuition and academic programmes in the USA and Australia. 

Dawn Parry
WS College & Career Counselor

Sustainable Technology in Grade 5

Grade 5 students delved into the intricate world of sustainable technology as part of their exploration for the Unit of Inquiry, "Sharing the Planet." Understanding the profound impact of technological decisions on nature, economy, society, and well-being was the focal point of their journey. Venturing to the farm, students immersed themselves in the practical application of sustainable technology. They scrutinised various tools such as water heaters, solar panels, hydroponic greenhouses, bike blenders, and bike sprinklers, weighing the positives and negatives of each. Through hands-on experiences like ploughing fields and planting rice, they intimately connected with the agricultural process, culminating in the satisfaction of consuming Khao Gee

(grilled sticky rice with egg). Upon returning to the classroom, students broadened their perspective by comparing their findings to high-tech farms in America. They organised their thoughts using the sustainability compass model, analysing the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of each technology. Furthermore, students linked their research to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, fostering a deeper understanding of how sustainable technology contributes to global progress. Through this immersive and interdisciplinary approach, Grade 5 students not only gained knowledge but also cultivated a sense of responsibility towards shaping a more sustainable future.

Alison Thompson
Grade 5 Teacher and Junior School Mathematics Coordinator

Berlin Model United Nations February, 2024

Four of our senior students had the honour of participating in BERMUN2, held in Berlin, Germany, from 19-25 February, 2024. Model United Nations (MUN) provides a platform for students to assume the roles of delegates representing various countries, enabling them to address real-world issues while gaining insight into the principles and functions of the United Nations. Our delegates - Thee, Andrew, Jade, and Choney - represented the Russian Federation at BERMUN2. The conference theme, 'Raising Nationalism: Fortifying International Institutions,' framed discussions throughout the event. As their acting director, I had the privilege of accompanying the delegates to BERMUN2, where they engaged in three days of conferences, participating in research, debate, and negotiation across four committees, each mirroring a UN body. MUN fosters critical thinking, diplomacy, and teamwork, preparing participants to become well-informed global citizens and potential leaders in international affairs. 

Dr. Ambika Subrahmanya
IB DP Business Management & Economics Teacher

Journeys to the Hilltops & the Slopes
A Karen Hill Tribe Trip:  A student and teacher reflection

A student reflection:
From Thursday, 9 February to 3 March, Grade 9 - 11 drama students took a trip to the Karen Hill Tribe in Omkoi. The trip was in association with drama students from Chiang Mai University, who collaborated with us to teach drama to the village children. The end goal of the trip was to put on a performance that reflected the villages' personal stories and opinions. 

We helped enhance the performance using skills we had learned ranging from forum theatre to prop making, and Prem drama students also put on mask and mime workshops for the village students. We befriended the village and university students and immersed ourselves completely in the culture. 

The trip was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with people of different backgrounds over one shared goal. I learned so much in those short days and formed deep friendships with people I would have never met. I am beyond grateful to everyone who helped make it happen, and I hope to keep having these kinds of experiences in the future.

Moe P. Grade 9 
Drama student

A teacher’s reflection:
Our Theatre Students were given the opportunity to participate in a very special project on 29 February - 2 March where they worked in partnership with the Drama Department of Chiang Mai University to research and dramatise the lives of a Northern Thailand Karen Hill Tribe.  

One of my many joys at PREM is to get to see our students applying what they learn into real-world contexts and to experience how others live and to learn empathy. Our brilliant students once again showed their quality and, with an abundance of vim and vigour, embodied so many elements of our school's vision. It is gratifying to see a young workshop leader engage a class of children for a whole hour, all of whom are communicating through an interpreter by using the communication skills they have honed in drama. Our students were able to empower and amplify the voices of schoolchildren from a Karen Tribe and equally work hand-in-hand with second year university students, being instrumental in planning and directing this important program. The village of Mae Tom has a unique and very important cultural heritage, as almost all of the village is involved with the creation of a special lacquer that is used by the Thai Royal Family for their buildings called Rạk (Love). Our job was to work in conjunction with the local community and the Chiang Mai University students to find stories and interweave them into a dramatic presentation celebrating the tribe, their achievements and afford the children a platform to place their issues upon. This programme was an unqualified success and I must thank the villagers for being such generous souls and so welcoming and also a massive acknowledgement of the hard work of Kusuma Venzky-Stalling who heads up the community theatre programme at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Chiang Mai University. Her stewardship and passion were the drivers that allowed this project to happen. As we left, there were tears and smiles and the warm feeling that profound connection often brings. I know that this is an experience all of us will remember.

Ian Johnston
Director of Drama

Senior Art Exhibition

This Monday our Senior School art students opened their IB art exhibition “Flourish and Wither, Bloom and Doom.” The exhibition had been two years in the making, with all middle and senior school students being invited to attend.

The event was a great success, showing pieces ranging from 3D models to sculptures to paintings and even silkscreen printing. A diverse set of art styles were on show, as were themes of love, animal cruelty, and grief, with each student exploring a focused topic of their choosing in their own curated spaces. Highlights include a tattooed kombucha skin about Thai heritage and custom made PEZ dispensers about growing up in society. Pieces showed both skill in artistic aptitude and the consideration of ideas, bringing complex concepts to life through a visual narrative.

“Flourish and Wither, Bloom and Doom” counts towards our students’ final art grades, which will soon be assessed externally by the IB examination Board. We hope to see even more exciting artwork being displayed from our Grade 11 students next year.

Zhifang L.
Grade 12 IB Student

ISTA Festival G11 IBDP Theatre Students travel to SAIGON!

Our G11 theatre makers went to Saigon last week to participate in an ISTA Festival ( International Schools Theatre Association). PREM is proud to be ISTA Global Patrons and partners.

ISTA holds around 70 festival events all over the planet every year and the theme of the Saigon festival was 'Confluences.' Students spent three days exploring the theme and traditional Vietnamese legends and stories with professional theatre artists. Learners also got to experience a thrilling ride by speedboat along the mighty Mekong river and a cultural experience seeing Vietnamese Water Puppetry. The festival culminated in a showing of work and then we went into Ho Chi Minh City and saw the amazing A O show - a true theatrical feast!

We have more ISTA festivals programmed for Middle School and High School as well as our very own Chiang Mai Environmental Symposium! Stay tuned! 

Ian Johnston
Director of Drama

"Sawadee Pii Mai," which translates to "Happy New Year," are probably the words you'll hear the most all-around in Thailand during Songkran.

Songkran is a festival celebrating the Thai New Year, which takes place on 13-15 April every year. Water is an important element of Songkran, especially during more recent times when the throwing of water has become a huge part of the annual celebrations.

We celebrate Songkran to mark the beginning of the Buddhist New Year by visiting the temple on the morning of Songkran day and participating in the Bathing of the Buddha. This is an essential ceremony where devout Buddhists gently pour scented water over the Buddha images (Phra Phutharup) at home or at the temple, pour water on the hands of revered elders, and ask for blessings. They also splash water on their families and friends.

We do this because people believe that water will wash away bad luck, and splashing water during Songkran will bring New Year blessings. Traditionally, in Chiang Mai, the first day of Songkran is usually spent cleaning the house to remove accumulated bad luck. The second day is spent going to the temple to pray for good luck and bringing sand to the temple to prepare for the building of traditional sand castles. The third day is also spent at the temple for prayers for those who have passed away, and it is a day for Rod Nam Dam Hua, a way to honour elders and ask for their blessings. The third day is also the day when the traditional sand castles are built out of the sand that was brought to the temple the previous day.

How did we celebrate Songkran here at Prem? At Prem we celebrated Songkran by taking part in the Rod Nam Dam Hua Ceremony. During Rod Nam Dam Hua, we honour the elders, apologise for any wrongdoings and thank them for all they have done for us. We pour scented water on the hands of elders and ask for their blessings. Our community was encouraged to wear the Thai traditional dress during the Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony. During Thai culture classes and in preparation for Songkran, students also learned how to make 'Tung Sai Moo,' the art of handmade paper cutting from Northern Thailand. I wish everyone a good experience during this Songkran holiday.

Happy Songkran!

Sukanya Charpentier (Boo)
Thai Principal

Grade 12 Sunset:  A Student’s and Teacher’s Perspective

A Student Perspective:

This past Monday, the grade 12s and their teachers held their Senior Sunset event atop Mon Jam, signifying a major turning point in the lives of the students. Just as the Sunrise that happened at the start of the year was meant to open the last chapter in their high school lives, Monday’s Sunset was a way to close the year - and also the entirety of the first 18 years of life for most. There were many tears in people’s eyes as pictures were taken to commemorate the friends they’ve gained along the way, as well as the hardships they have endured. 

However, before the G12s were released to continue (or start) their studying streak for the upcoming exams, they all went to See-Paak, which is a family-run outdoor BBQ restaurant. The students and teachers enjoyed a tasty buffet, including some ribs, burgers and much more. A couple even stayed after to enjoy some fun times around the pool table, with hot games between students and staff bringing out many strong emotions. Overall, it is safe to say that everyone had a good time, and enjoyed the nice social break from the pressure of the exams.

Filip Pospíšil
PREM G12 Student

And just like that, another academic year has slipped by and our grade 12 students have finished their last taught lesson at Prem. We began their year in a very similar location watching the sunrise of their last ever first day of school. As a way of marking their final day, we took grade 12 students back to Mon Jam to watch the sun set on this significant day. It was a heartwarming event, and the students were remarkably happy and relaxed considering that their first exams were only two days away. There were many special conversations between the cohort and between the teachers who were also able to attend including teachers Mark, Phil, Tony and Ambika, as well as teachers Abbie and Shaun and our unofficial, yet spectacular, photographers teacher Trisha and our Head of School Rachel.  

As teachers, it is always poignant to come to the end of grade 12 and watch the students move forward into the next stage of their lives, but it is also very gratifying. It was particularly gratifying to enjoy the second part of the evening, which was superbly organised by our grade 12 superstar, Filip Pospisil.  Post sun-set we gathered for the second part of the evening at See Pak restaurant with some great food, more entertaining conversations and many highly entertaining pool matches. It's been a privilege to have guided them through these last two years of their schooling. We wish grade 12 the best of luck for the upcoming exams, and look forward to celebrating the grade 12 community at graduation. 

Abbie Neall
IB Diploma Coordinator 
MYP and DP English Language and Literature Teacher
MA English Literature

Literacy Week - April 22-26

Literacy Week is a widely celebrated occasion during which schools unite to honour authors and books that enrich our lives with joy and knowledge. Throughout this week-long event, our students participated in various literacy activities to express their passion for books.

Guest mystery readers were welcomed into classrooms to share their favourite books and engage in read-aloud sessions, inspiring both children and staff to explore a diverse range of literature. These sessions sparked enthusiastic conversations about books and authors. During DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time, students immersed themselves in reading, further nurturing their love for books. The week also featured an exciting author visit, a book fair, buddy reading sessions, an extreme reading photo challenge, and a spelling contest. All activities were deliberately designed to foster a love and appreciation for written words.

The highlight of the week was the display of students dressed as their beloved book characters. They showcased their creativity and passion by bringing numerous book characters to life. This culminating event united students and staff in their shared enthusiasm for book characters. The week provided an excellent opportunity for students to express their gratitude for the many wonderful books they enjoy reading.

Mayada Bayomi
JS - Literacy Coordinator and EAL Teacher

Prem Volleyball Players are Flying High!

Over the last few years, volleyball has become one of the most popular sports at Prem. From when we started introducing the sport in Grade 5 HPE up until our U20 teams, the skill levels have risen all across Prem and this week's U16 and U20 CMAC volleyball tournaments certainly highlight that. 

With the U20 girls and U16 boys tournaments being hosted at Prem and the U20 Boys and U16 girls at CMIS, it has been a busy but exciting week. On Tuesday we started with the U20 tournaments, which will be the last time some of our Grade 12's play for the Prem Panthers. The U20's did not disappoint! Against all odds (Missing 3 of our starting players), the U20 boys got all the way to the final, losing to CMIS to become the Runners Up. The U20 girls saw the same two teams in the final and it ended up being an absolute classic. Back and forth, it went down to the wire, with Prem becoming U20 girls volleyball champions.

The U16's had a tough act to follow, but they showed that the future is bright for Prem volleyball. We divided the boys into two teams (Prem A + B), so all the players got more time on the court. Despite being much younger than the other teams, they put up a great fight against all the teams they played and pushed them all the way. The girls also came back with silverware, getting the 3rd place medals.

It was an excellent couple of days, so well done to all our players!

P.S: The U14 tournaments are coming up in a couple of weeks and both our teams are unbeaten so far!

Lee Stevens
Assistant Head of School

mBot Challenge

The Grade 9 students have been showcasing their engineering and programming skills in an exciting mBot challenge!  From the thrilling Sumo Challenge to the mind-bending A-Maze-ing Race and the groovy Dance Challenge, these young innovators have been transforming their mBots into autonomous machines, pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity. 

In these challenges, students put their creations to the test, evaluating obstacle detection, navigation, strategic decision-making, technical execution, and more.  But it's not just about functionality – judges were also looking for entertainment value, creativity, and the efficiency of decision-making algorithms. 

Through hands-on experimentation and problem-solving, our Grade 9 students are honing essential skills in robotics, programming, and teamwork. They're not just building robots – they're building futures filled with endless possibilities. Definitely, they emerged victorious in these thrilling mBot challenges! 

Perpetual Mwangi (Daisy)
Computer Science Teacher & Education Technology Integrator

Boarding Weekend with Animal Planet

Another fun weekend for our Boarding students. We started by savouring delicious Mexican cuisine and followed by diving into the wonders of the Chiang Mai Aquarium.

In the evening, our students unleashed their inner athletes, playing badminton and basketball, proving that boarding life is not just about academics, but also about building bonds and staying active! 🏸🏀

On Sunday, we kicked back at a Café, savouring delicious coffees and refreshing smoothies. Then, we had a blast feeding the elephants, connecting with nature and soaking up the fresh air.  

Join our boarding community and spice your weekends busy with cool activities! 


Bobby Woraphon
Junior Boarding Parent
Marketing Administrator (Digital Marketing)

Celebrating Talent at the Music Academy

The Music Academy's final concert of the year was a vibrant celebration of musical talent and community spirit. It was a delight to witness the array of gifted young musicians performing across a diverse spectrum of musical styles. From classical compositions to contemporary hits, the concert showcased the impressive versatility and dedication of our students.

A highlight of the concert was the visible joy radiating from both the performers and the audience. The supportive atmosphere created by family and friends in attendance added a special warmth to the event, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

This concert was particularly significant as it marked the farewell performance of Iven from Grade 7 (Cellist). Iven has been a remarkable presence at the Music Academy, and she will soon be embarking on an exciting new chapter. She has earned a prestigious scholarship to study at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Iven and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Congratulations are also in order for all the performers who contributed to making this concert a resounding success. Your hard work, passion, and talent were truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing where your musical journeys will take you next.

Christopher Johnson
Director Music Academy

PYP Exhibition

On 28 May, the atmosphere at Prem School was full of excitement and nervousness as the Grade 5 students proudly presented their PYP Exhibition, the culminating event of their Primary Years Programme (PYP) journey. This annual exhibition showcased the students' growth as inquirers, thinkers, and communicators, highlighting their learning and achievements.

The day began with a wonderful poetry performance by the Grade 5 students. Their short poems were rich and insightful providing a glimpse into the diverse topics explored in the PYP Exhibition process.

As visitors moved from exhibit to exhibit, they were impressed by the students' confidence and knowledge. Engaging with visitors, the students answered questions in detail, demonstrating their grasp of their passions and their ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Each exhibit was inviting and informational, clearly reflecting the students' hard work and dedication.

The variety of topics covered in this year’s exhibition was truly impressive. Students tackled issues of mental health, explored the dynamics of sports, the Arts, baking, and the joys of gardening. They delved into the complexities of artificial intelligence, shared the benefits of healthy baking, examined the impact of video games and too much screen time, developed a love for nature and arthropods. Other inquiries investigated animal welfare, the impact of animals on our wellbeing, and how to keep safe in Air Pollution. Each topic was presented with enthusiasm and a depth of understanding that drew the audience in.

The PYP Exhibition was more than a showcase of projects; it was a celebration of learning, collaboration, and personal growth. The Grade 5 students demonstrated their ability to inquire deeply, think critically, and communicate their findings effectively. Their exhibits clearly demonstrated the transdisciplinary skills they have developed throughout their PYP journey.

Mary Ann Van De Weerd 
Deputy Junior School Principal 
PYP Coordinator

2024 Graduation

Their last first day is now a distant memory, the sun has set on their final day, and they toiled and studied and sweated over the final DP exams, the culmination of their time at Prem. The class of 2024 are now Prem graduates and their passing from students to alumni was marked in our graduation ceremony on 24 May, where we were able to celebrate the achievements of this class. 

It is customary to compare the journey through school to a more physical journey alluding to difficult road blocks and uphill trudges that the students have surmounted. With this may now be a cliche, it is important to remember that this class were impacted by covid in grade 8, and missed significant chunks of learning, instruction and crucial social engagement throughout grades 9 and 10, really formative years for the skills and knowledge needed for CP and DP success. That 44 students were able to stand on stage in caps and gowns, after such a disruption to their Middle Years, is an achievement. It’s an achievement that meant it wasn't only the parents that had some tears in their eyes as the class made their way to the stage for the ceremony. There were definitely some misty-eyed teachers as well. 

The event was attended by all of the Senior School students and teachers, and it is a significant community event for us all to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and for our younger students to see what they are aspiring to. The ceremony was opened by three of our students who have been at Prem since Junior School. Noa G., Samantha H. and Viveka M., spoke with gratitude and eloquence welcoming everyone to the event. Teacher Ambika was nominated by the Senior Class to address them at graduation, and she gave a heartfelt and personal speech where she identified the special qualities of each individual. The speeches were complemented with three accomplished and inspiring musical performances with Gabriel C. and Matthew P. playing beautiful piano pieces. Matthew’s performance was the first time he had ever performed publicly. Ruting Y. and Jiahan S. sung for us for the final time, a bittersweet moment that underlined how much we will miss the musical talents of the group. Sonam C. and Thadee L. were nominated by the class to give the student address.

Along with our Head of School Rachel and Senior School Principal Shaun’s speeches, our role model, Dr. Vitit Munthanbhorn addressed the audience and the graduates in a lively and entertaining manner, which our Seniors enjoyed. He spoke of the need to be adaptable in our changing world, and of the importance of sustainability and digital literacy. 

Before the conferring of the graduate diplomas, the following awards were presented. The academic award was awarded to Gabriel C. who has maintained the highest Grade Point Average over the years. The Athletics award, selected by the Athletics Director, went to our excellent athletes Kauani G. and Amelie V. L. The Senior School Arts Department selected the student for the Arts award, and this year Claire K. was acknowledged for her contribution to Visual Arts, both at Prem, but also in the wider community as she has already had an art exhibition in Chiangmai and Bangkok. The Global Citizenship Award was given to Sonam C. L., for embracing the qualities of a global citizen, and the Daniel Wilms Memorial award for a student who strongly represents their own country while embracing intercultural awareness and internationalism was given to Sonam C. D. 

Following the formal graduation ceremony, there was a meal for graduates, families, friends and teachers at the Shangri-La hotel in Chiangmai. This celebratory event was a meaningful way to say goodbye to the class of 2024. 

Abbie Neall
IB Diploma Coordinator
MYP and DP English Language and Literature Teacher

EY1 Field Trip to the Siam Insect Zoo Museum

On Monday, 27 May, the EY1 class had its first field trip to the Siam Insect Zoo Museum in Mae Rim. This trip was organised to align with the students’ interest in the characteristics of living things, a topic explored in our "Sharing the Planet'' unit. Their curiosity had been evident during walks to the Farm and Forest School.

The EY1 class departed from school at 8:30 a.m. Upon arrival at the museum, the children participated in an educational activity on the butterfly life cycle. They learned about it and had the opportunity to colour representations of each stage. The students toured the museum and observed various insects, including butterflies, beetles, mosquitoes, and geckos from different countries. 

The museum provided a tactile learning experience, allowing the children to touch and smell some animals at the museum. They interacted with live animals such as iguanas, tarantulas, and stick insects. The trip ended with EY1 having their snacks at the museum. When EY1 was asked about their favourite part of the trip, the students expressed their excitement about releasing butterflies into the butterfly farm and touching tarantulas.

Julia Simhony
Early Years 1 Teacher

On Tuesday, we kicked off staff orientation at Prem International Day & Boarding School for the 2024-2025 school year! New teachers and staff came together to collaborate and prepare for an exciting semester ahead. Enjoy some highlights from the fun team-building activities in Senior School, including the Department Olympics!

Prem International Day & Boarding School welcomed students and families on their first day back! Bicycles cruised through our beautiful campus as students reunited with friends and teachers. We’re excited to see everyone back and ready for an incredible year of learning and growth.

Welcome back! Let’s make this 2024-2025 school year the best one yet!

Senior Sunrise

Grade 12 began their final year at school with our Prem tradition, Senior Sunrise. Our newly crowned seniors arrived on Sunday evening for a special meal with their homeroom teachers and coordinators. It is always so meaningful to see them connect after the summer holiday in the evening before. Students and homeroom teachers played boardgames, went swimming or played sports together in the gym. Lights were out at 10, and unsuprisingly students needed fairly persistent encouragement to get up and onto the vans for 4.50am. They were rewarded with a beautiful view of the sun rising in cool mountain air over Chiangmai, and I was rewarded by the collective sighs of “Oh Wow” as they crested the hill. It’s always a special moment. 

It is a lovely tradition that we have here, and it is always a privilege to share it with these students who will go on to face a year of challenges and successes. The tradition reminds them that they have a team of teachers to guide them through this year, but also that they have each other for support, encouragement, humour and empathy as they ride through the year. 

Abbie Neall
IB Diploma Coordinator 
MYP and DP English Language and Literature Teacher
MA English Literature