English
21–10–23
Head of School Message
Dear Prem Community,
I hope the first week of Term 2 was a good week for everybody. It was great to see our students participating in multiple sports matches and the Prem Symphonic Band concert yesterday evening was a particular joy to listen to. Walking around school one continually sees students playing, laughing, walking, running and riding around campus as they go peacefully about their days full of stimulation and enjoyment.
One can’t help contrasting this with the current devastating events in the Middle East that erupted over our break. Many children lost their lives and many more remain in great danger. It is the direst of situations that compels us to question human nature and the context within which such events can happen. As an international school it is crucial that we teach for international understanding and, as such, our humanities department responded immediately by rearranging the curriculum so that they could explore and understand the history behind these events.
As parents it can be difficult to know how much to discuss difficult events with children, especially matters relating to war and violence. (There are currently at least 32 parts of the world experiencing the horrors of war and conflict, including of course, Ukraine and Russia). The following article provides some very sound advice, which you can read here. Events such as those unfolding in Israel and Gaza can make us feel helpless and overwhelmed but it is important to know there are many organisations that we can support who are doing their best to ensure they will be able to provide supplies and some relief to children and families going through unimaginable hardship. Two of these that do excellent work are Doctors Without Borders and Save the Children. We will arrange an opportunity for school fundraising next week and appreciate your support.
Both the IB and Prem promote a vision of developing the values and empathy that are foundational for a peaceful world: “The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” Prem aims to educate global citizens who strive for excellence, live sustainably, lead responsibly, celebrate diversity, and whose integrity champions a just, more equitable and peaceful world. One of the very important ways that we do this is through teaching for for understanding a multiplicity of perspectives; another is the insistence on maintaining day-to-day relationships that are based upon mutual respect, kindness and trust. Our community and relationships are a microcosm of the world, and both peace and compassion begin at home, and are evidenced through our words and actions.
So, with that in mind, let us be more keenly alert to how we can show our kindness and compassion for others, additionally aware of how fortunate we are to be living in a peaceful, harmonious and beautiful community.
I wish you all a good long weekend as Monday is a Public Holiday to celebrate Chulalongkorn Day. I look forward to seeing everybody on Tuesday 24th September,
With very best wishes,
Rachel Keys M.A. (Oxon), M.Ed.
Head of School
10/21/2023
Message from the Creative Director
Before the October school break, Prem’s Senior Leadership Team took the opportunity to pop into various classes and activities across the school, so as to get broad exposure to the rich and powerful learning that takes place across our campus. What we observed was not just routine delivery of the curriculum, but an explosion of creativity, innovation and joyful learning across our departments.
In an age where the AI revolution is knocking on the doors of the future workplace, Prem's commitment to learning that engages and empowers our young people stands out as a beacon of what quality, progressive education should look like. The emphasis on skills such as creativity, adaptability, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are apparent in the everyday learning environment and our teachers are committed to cultivating these traits in every student. By fostering a holistic approach to education, we not only impart knowledge but also mentor and guide students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. This preparation goes beyond traditional academic benchmarks, ensuring that our young learners are equipped to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world with confidence and resilience. At Prem, we believe in nurturing not just the intellect, but also the ‘inner, personal-world’ of every student, ensuring they emerge as well-rounded individuals ready to lead and innovate in this rapidly changing world.
Our classroom visits brought to life the school’s commitment to these values. From observing Senior School students explore forces and motion through the creation of paper planes that had to glide as slowly as possible, the mapping of our campus through the lens of wellbeing in grade two and the use of anthropomorphic thinking to create comedic lenses in our grade nine media classes, it was heartening to see valuable space being set aside for creative thinking across our school and our curriculum.
The future, although doubtlessly technologically-driven, will be painted with human qualities at its heart. Creative thinking, collaboration, and an innate ability to empathise will be core guidelines that will help all of our students map out successful, personal and meaningful pathways into the future. Prem’s commitment towards a balance between academic rigour and meaningful, personalised learning is clear. From what I saw during my visits, it’s clear that an education at Prem ensures that in a world where technological aptitude is prized, the human spirit, fueled by creativity and engagement with the arts, remains triumphant.
Alex Soulsby
Creative Director
10/21/2023
Coming up at Prem
10/21/2023
Junior School
Where Young Authors Blossom at Prem Primary School!
At Prem Primary School, the magic of storytelling is coming to life as we proudly introduce Exploria, our vibrant Creative Writing Club for students in Grades 2 to 5. Exploria has been abuzz with young authors’ spinning captivating tales that have been leaving everyone in awe!
Mondays after school have become an enchanting journey through the world of words for our little authors. Initially, we embarked on a fantastic adventure into comic-style storytelling. With guidance, our students used story maps to map out their exciting adventures. What's more, they brought their stories to life on comic book paper provided by the club. The results were nothing short of amazing.
As our explorers delved deeper into the world of storytelling, many chose to create their very own books. The boundless creativity they've displayed has been truly remarkable. With each stroke of the pen, they've uncovered new worlds and embarked on grand adventures that will stay with them for a lifetime.
What sets Exploria apart is our secret weapon against writer's block – the storytelling dice! When our young authors find themselves at a loss for words, they roll the dice to uncover new characters, settings, and problems to weave into their tales. It's a fun and interactive way to keep the creative juices flowing, making each club meeting an exciting journey of discovery.
But we're not just about words. Our young authors also have the opportunity to breathe life into their stories through colorful illustrations, giving their characters a vivid presence on the page.
As the current term nears its end, we invite new students to join us in the upcoming term. Exploria is a welcoming and nurturing space for young talents to grow, no matter their experience level. We are thrilled to see what amazing stories our talented primary school writers will pen next. Exploria is where young imaginations flourish, and we can't wait to welcome you to our creative family in the next term. Join us on this incredible journey of storytelling magic at Prem Primary School's Exploria Creative Writing Club!
Grace Gedrich
Grade 2 Teacher
10/21/2023
Senior School
Exploring Cross-Cultural Cuisine
Last week, G.9-10 Thai Language Acquisition Class started the Exploring Cross-Cultural Cuisine lesson with Thai dessert. Students engaged in a sensory experience cooking the Thai dessert "Banana with coconut milk." In Thai language, we call it "Gluay Buat Chii." We discussed and shared personal experiences about Thai desserts. We inquired about why Thai people chose banana (Gluay) as the key ingredient for this dessert and the culture behind it.
Here is some information from our brainstorming knowledge. “Banana has been an essential fruit for Thai people for a long time and it crosses numerous cultures and encompasses a wide range of meals.” Moreover, “the banana is a fruit that is easy to find and eat just by peeling the skin.” Thus, there is even one Thai Idiom related to bananas which is: "Gluay Gluay" (Banana Banana). Its meaning is "super easy or simple." For example, if someone asked you if you can speak Thai? You can say: Pasaa Thai is Gluay Gluay which means: Thai language is super easy for you. ;). In this lesson, we started exploring Thai food first and then we will move to another country from students' interests as well as students' own country.
Suchaya Santivarakom (Ni)
Thai Teacher
10/28/2023
Boarding Community
Holidays in Boarding
Last week's holiday for our boarding students was fantastic! Some students went home to be with their families, while others stayed and had a lot of fun. It was a mix of relaxation and adventure as boarders enjoyed night markets, zip-lining, water parks, and soothing massages.
One of the best parts of the week was when we visited a beautiful temple in northern Thailand called Wat Phra That Hari Phun Chai. We went there during the beautiful Lantern Festival. The students wrote a wish on the lanterns and hung them with others as a symbol of their hopes and dreams going up.
To end the week on a high note, we took our boarders to a Taylor Swift film. Everyone had a blast singing and dancing to her songs. It was a night full of great fun. This holiday was all about having a lot of fun and making special memories. Here are some comments from our boarders:
"I had a lot of fun with the teachers and my friends. I felt our bond getting stronger after the time spent together. We got to do activities that we usually won’t have been able to do. The highlight of my vacation was the Taylor Swift Film."
"To be honest, this past week on campus was truly the most enjoyable week I’ve spent in Prem so far, all the people I’ve spent time with this week were superb including the Ajarns who were a lot of fun. I wished this week could last forever, especially the trip to the lantern light festival and the time spent in the hotel with all of the students and teachers were memorable to say the least."
Boarding Staff
10/21/2023
Whole School Activities
Positive Pressure (PPS) System installed in IEP, Thai, Chinese, JS Art, and JS Music Classes
Good Morning, Prem Community,
Over the October break the Positive Pressure (PPS) System was installed in all the IEP Classrooms, Thai Language Classrooms, Chinese Classrooms, JS Art Room and JS Music Cluster.
This is part of the 3-year plan to have the PPS system installed in all learning spaces (In 2019 the PPS system was installed in approximately 75% of classrooms/learning spaces):
- October 2023: IEP Classrooms, Thai Language Classrooms, Chinese Classrooms, JS Art Room and JS Music Cluster.
- October 2024: SS Drama and Music Rooms, Learning and Student Support Rooms, The Prem Arthouse
- October 2025: Dance Studio, The Prem Canteen
For those that don't know what the PPS system is, it is a system designed and installed by https://www.environment-assured.com/ and monitored by https://www.airgradient.com/. The system pushes filtered air into learning spaces, so the AQI levels in those spaces are near zero and the CO2 levels are additionally kept low, which results in better student performance. Simply put, it means that we have clean, monitored and filtered air in our classrooms/learning spaces.
This now means that we have the PPS system in almost 90% of our learning spaces and by October 2025 in 100% of spaces. We are fully committed to making Prem as safe as possible during Chiang Mai's smokey season and at the forefront of protecting our communities health and safety.
Thanks,
Lee Stevens
Assistant Head of School
10/21/2023
The Arts
Musical Success for Prem student
Prem International School continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing talents, especially in the realm of music. A testament to this commitment is the remarkable success of one of our students, Daisy from Grade 4.
Daisy has showcased a profound passion for music from a very young age. Last October, she secured second place in the renowned ABRSM piano competition held in Bangkok. The ABRSM, a globally recognized institution, is designed to inspire and challenge developing musicians, offering a spectrum of assessments for all levels.
Building on her success, Daisy received the highest accolade for Best Piano Performance at the 3rd Thailand Music Festival for Young Artists. She's not stopping there; Daisy is also gearing up to participate in the final round of a classical music piano competition scheduled in Singapore this coming August.
Her parents attribute Daisy's impressive achievements to the enriching musical environment provided at Prem,
especially through the ongoing work of our Music Academy. Expressing their gratitude, they noted, "We truly believe that these milestones Daisy reached are closely tied to the nurturing environment at Prem."
It's stories like Daisy's that remind us of the power of a supportive and enriching educational environment and the myriad of opportunities that exist on our campus for our students and wider community. At Prem we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every child gets the chance to shine in their unique way and wish Daisy every continued success.
For more information about our Music Academy, please contact Chris Johnson dirmusic@ptis.ac.th
Alex Soulsby
Creative Director
Young Artists' Award success
In collaboration with Anantara Chiang Mai, our talented group of young musicians, who successfully auditioned for the 'Young Artists' Award, had the opportunity to perform on a professional stage at Anantara Chiang Mai each Saturday during the month of September. These were 5 wonderful Saturdays where we were able to celebrate the hard work and talent these young musicians placed into preparing to perform to guests and visitors at the hotel. The impact of their music making really touched the hearts and minds of those who attended their performances. One guest at the hotel wrote to us to say that the performances from Prem students had been the highlight of their stay in Thailand; praise indeed.
Well done to all our performers for sharing their time and talents. The certificates will be presented by Khun Chin (General Manager) Anantara Chiang Mai in the SS Assembly on 25th October.
Christopher Johnson
Director of Music
The Prem Academy of Music
10/21/2023
Let's Go Panthers
Second SS Ball Hockey Exploria Club Trip Abroad - April 19-23
Following last year's enjoyable trip to Cambodia, this year, students enrolled in the Senior School Ball Hockey Exploria Club will have the opportunity to opt-in to travel to Hong Kong for five days of Creativity, Activity, & Service experiences all centered around our shared interest-- playing the sport of Ball Hockey. This year's trip is being planned as an MYP Service in Action (SA) project by a group of Grade 10's-- Tiffany, Yu Yang, & Sally. We hope to have 14 PREM Ball Hockey players headed to Hong Kong April 19-23 to compete in a tournament and exhibition games 5 other school teams, coach 2 Junior School teams, and experience the rich culture, energy, and excitement found in one of Asia's world class cities. Students interested in expressing interest should contact Ajarn Adam ASAP at dirathletics@ptis.ac.th as spaces are strictly limited to only 14 students & 2 teachers.
Adam Copus
Co-Athletics Director
10/21/2023
Check Out our Upcoming Events
The Prevention of Child Trafficking: Global Politics Project
Dear the Prem community,
I am Amelie from Grade 12 with a Global Politics Project on the Prevention of child trafficking. Please take 3 minutes to read and to help raise more awareness in the Prem community about this matter.
Every child deserves a life free from fear, exploitation, and abuse. Sadly, child trafficking continues to be a grave global issue, robbing countless innocent lives of their childhoods. But together, we can make a difference. I invite you to be a part of this project. By donating to our charity, the Freedom Story, dedicated to the prevention of child trafficking you are directly contributing to the protection and empowerment of vulnerable children.
Your donation, no matter how small, can bring us one step closer to a world where every child is safe and has the opportunity to thrive. Child trafficking is a heinous crime, but with your help, we can stand together against it and protect the most vulnerable among us.
Please donate today and join me in this fight for a brighter and safer future for all children.
Amelie
Grade 12
Unite for Tiger Conservation
Tigers are facing a crisis that demands our attention and action. In Southeast Asia, these majestic creatures are endangered, largely due to habitat destruction and human exploitation. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has reported an alarming 95% decline in their historical range across the globe. As of today, there are just around 149 tigers left in Thailand. Although numbers have been slowly increasing these past few years, there is still much room to the top.
Why are they important?
Beyond their striking appearance, tigers are apex predators, playing a crucial role in preserving the equilibrium of our ecosystems. Unfortunately, increasing human destruction and poaching have driven the tiger population away. We invite students, parents and teachers to contribute to our campaign aimed at supporting a local tiger conservation organization, the Tiger Kingdom. By donating you can make an impact.
Simply scan the QR code attached starting from the 21st of October to the 29th of October. Donations CAN NOT be collected after this date.
Join us in this journey and play a role in securing a brighter future for our planet's biodiversity!
Mali
Grade 12
Only 1 team can be the champion in each of the CMAC U16 Football Season 1 groups.
Fan Guide: The PREM Girls play every match on their Home field- Buffalo Field #2, while the PREM Boys play all of their matches on their Home field- Main Field #1. with food provided by Smash Daddy's Burgers, G Bakes Vegan, & PREM PSC, the CMAC Football Playoffs Tournament is Nov 3rd at ptis school
Charity vendor spots remain open-- contact dirathletics@ptis.ac.th to reserve a spot for your service club.
10/21/2023