Dear Prem Community,
I hope you are all doing well and that many of you were able to join us for the stand out community events this week. I would like to send a special thank you to A. Dawn Parry and K. Ju Narajit for a truly exceptional University and College Fair. With over a 100 university and colleges, including Cambridge University (#2 in the World) and Imperial College London (#6 in the World), we had a wonderful range of higher education institutions and numerous rich and engaging seminars throughout the day. It is extremely rare for a school to be able to attract such large numbers of universities and vocational institutions, and of such high quality. Students were very appreciative and took full advantage learning more about their world-wide tertiary options.
In his article Senior School Principal Shaun Hudson highlights the wonderful community event that is Halloween. I would like to pay tribute to our High School and Middle School Student Councils who did an outstanding job of organizing this fabulous family event once again. Thank you to all the parents who donated treats, who dressed up their cars, who provided fun games, activities and thoroughly entered into the spirit of the event. Numerous Exploria clubs raised money for their charities and a lot of fun was had by all.
As we start preparing for the next annual Prem tradition of Premathlon, we are excited to welcome the whole community onto our campus once again to watch our children’s athleticism and raise money for important charitable organizations. For the full list of those please see the article by the Senior School Head of Houses, Trisha Pospisil. This year, we will also be donating the entry fees to organizations that are working to relieve the suffering of children and families so devastatingly affected by the events in the Middle East. Please come and enjoy the day and support these important causes.
Do also take a minute to read about the excellent array of activities available to our Boarding Students. Please remember that flexible boarding options are always available for students who would like to cut down on their travel time - or for families who might need to travel - or simply to get a taste of the close community and fun that our boarding students enjoy. Currently, our Director of Boarding Linda Buck is in Seoul, Korea, presenting to students who are going to join Prem for a short-term ‘study abroad’ experience in January. We are looking forward to welcoming this new group of students into our community in the new year.
Lastly, we have two important events at the end of the week. I would like to reiterate the invitation to join our Prem Networking event at the Shangri-La Hotel on 2nd November 6.00 - 8.00pm. It is always a great opportunity to meet new people outside of school. Everybody is welcome - do come and make new friends and contacts in the community!
And on Friday 3rd November it is the last football tournament at Prem for JV girls and boys. If you are free we would love to see you there. I would like to say a huge thank you to our coaches who have worked so hard with our students this season in football, basketball and swimming. Prem had many successes but the real joy of playing in sports teams lies in the sense of community and belonging that is built along the way. Our coaches give huge amounts of their time to training and supporting students through their matches and tournaments. Thank you to them, and to the students for giving so much of themselves and showing us great skill, teamwork and respect for other players along the way! A huge thank you too, to Lee Stevens and Adam Copus, our Co-Athletics Directors for their outstanding organisation and promotion of Prem Panthers!
Wishing you a super weekend,
With very best wishes,
Rachel Keys M.A. (Oxon), M.Ed.
Head of School
10/28/2023
Another wonderful week at Prem has concluded and was filled with enthusiastic learning, excellent student leadership and exciting activities.
On October 24th we hosted our annual International University Fair with 100 different visiting universities from across the globe represented, and over 400 visiting students from 11 schools across northern Thailand. We are incredibly proud of this outstanding community leadership by our College Counselling team and all Prem students who were involved in supporting and delivering this excellent event. Huge congratulations to Ajarn Dawn and Kuhn Ju for their coordination of this mammoth event. This event is such a valuable and amazing opportunity for young people from across northern Thailand to inquire about and reflect on the breadth of future-pathways prospects available to them. Our community genuinely values support for these options and decisions. So it is a true pleasure for Prem to be able to offer such opportunities for other students. Superb event. Outstanding leadership.
On that same day our Grade 6-8 students enjoyed a superb full day of special activities filled with learning opportunities that emphasised collaboration, sustainability education on a mini-field trip to the local Elephant Poopoopaper Park in Mae Rim, plus problem-solving and teamwork challenges at our low-ropes course, in the pool or the gymnasium. Students demonstrated excellent character and active engagement all day while having fun in the process.
I would like to take a moment to praise our Grade 6-10 MYP students who continue to dedicate time each week to their Service as Action projects which aim to help other people. We are proud of their effort to make a positive difference in their community.
Student Council members across the school worked closely with the PSC to organise our annual fun-filled community Halloween event on Friday afternoon. Creative costumes filled the campus, and fun-filled activities were enjoyed by community members of all ages. It was lovely to hear sounds of laughter and joy all afternoon. Even a few screams and laughs could be heard from inside the pop-up Haunted House. Another amazing Prem community event creating treasured memories.
I would like to wish our Prem Panthers all the best for their remaining CMAC season 1 games. Go Panthers!! And finally we look forward to welcoming Senior School parents/guardians on campus for our new style of 3-way Conferences all day on November 1st.
Shaun Hudson
Senior School Principal
10/28/2023
10/28/2023
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
ANNOUNCING OUR 2023 PREMATHLON CHARITY & SERVICE GROUPS
It's nearly November and that means it is almost time for one of Prem's most anticipated House community events: The Premathlon! As usual, this year's Premathlon will be held on Founder's Day, the afternoon of Friday, November 17th.
More information will come soon from Aj. Lee regarding the event, race information and community registration, but the exciting thing for you to mark now is how involved our student charity and service groups will be in this year's event. Building on the huge funds we raised through race entries, raffles, and donations last year, we will continue to use this event to feature our many student service clubs, raising awareness and monies for the worthwhile community causes our students work with. Below is a list of our participating student groups and what they hope you can help collect and donate to them on the day of the 2023 Premathlon. Our goal is for everyone who attends to bring along an item (or more!) to support the great work these clubs do.
Please start collecting at your home for:
Precious Plastics - bottle tops for sustainable recycling future projects
Threads of Change - used school uniforms to resell and sustainably repurpose
Food Bank - basic necessities, gently used clothing, and food for local communities in need
Hand to Paw - dog food, treats, medicines, toys for local street dogs
Adopt Meow - cat food, treats, and toys for local shelters
*Various groups* - gently used notebooks and school supplies for refugees
Also participating with information booths and selling items on the day will be:
Operation Smile - to raise funds for cleft palate surgeries for children
Relief Wellness Society - to raise funds for children in the Myanmar conflict
Advocates for Global Welfare - to raise funds for victims of human trafficking
Microlending Lil' Loans - to raise funds to provide micro-loans to impoverished applicants
As you can see from the poster, this event proves to be another excellent community day of caring and sharing our time and talents with one another to make this world a better place. We look forward to seeing all of you in your beautiful House shirts and with your charity donation items at our Premathlon on November 17th! Thanks again for your support!
Trisha Pospisil
Head of Houses Coordinator (SS)
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR THE NETWORKING EVENT
Dear Prem Community,
With less than ONE week left, now is your last chance to secure your spot and invite all your friends for an evening of networking, camaraderie, and opportunities.
Prem's Fall Networking event is an excellent opportunity for the entire Chiang Mai community and local businesses, including Prem's businesses, to connect. Whether you are a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply looking to broaden your network, our Fall Networking Event has something for everyone.
What's in it for you?
*Connect with local business owners and professionals.
*Meet members of Chambers of Commerce.
*Engage with Chiang Mai Consuls.
*Build valuable connections with people from various walks of life.
Don't forget to bring your business cards, as you'll have a chance to win exciting prizes in our raffle. If you'd like to promote your business further, consider donating a gift to the raffle table. Contact sandrat@ptis.ac.th for more details or if you've already donated, a big thank you! Please send us your business logo at your earliest convenience.
We also have something special for you – bring the most friends/acquaintances to the event and win a fantastic prize! This is a great opportunity to share this experience with your network and expand your connections.
Remember, time is running out to secure your spot today. Don’t miss out! Register today by QR Code in flyer below or by following this link: https://forms.gle/xJ3f5P4JyoYeq6ae9
Let's make this a memorable evening, and together, we'll create lasting connections that can benefit us all. We can't wait to see you there!
Sandra Thompson
Communications and Community Outreach
10/28/2023
Another Exciting Weekend in Boarding!
Last weekend was a delightful mix of activities for our boarding students. As Halloween month got into full swing, some opted for a Korean feast, while others sought thrills with a spooky movie night in the boarding lounge on Friday.
Saturday took on a relaxed vibe as we headed to Central Festival for a day filled with ice skating, shopping, and catching the latest movies. It was the perfect way to unwind.
On Sunday, culinary creativity took centre stage as students honed their cooking skills. Italian Bruschetta with Tomatoes was on the menu, and our resident chef Ajain was on hand to guide aspiring chefs. Meanwhile, Noina joined Ajain to teach the art of making the beloved Thai classic, Somtam.
And of course, we wrapped up the week by taking a refreshing plunge in the pool, ensuring that we all enjoyed fun and relaxation. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures ahead!
Bobby Woraphon
Junior Boarding Parent & School Marketing
10/28/2023
College Fair at Prem - A Remarkable Community Event
We were thrilled to host 11 schools from ChiangMai and ChiangRai, and the atmosphere was simply fantastic! This College Fair was a true community event, where students, parents, and representatives came together for an unforgettable experience.
The variety and quality of institutions, along with the diverse range of seminars, provided invaluable insights for all attendees. The opportunity to have face-to face conversations with university representatives was a highlight, ensuring that students and parents left with smiles on their faces.
A huge shoutout to each of the 100 universities that participated! Your presence made this event truly special.
Social Media Team
10/28/2023
Navigating Sustainability Around School
The Eco-Committee members, Ruha (G6), Pandy (G10), and Sonam (G12) have created sustainability posters and stickers to be placed around campus!
The posters and stickers will be placed into appropriate places such as bathrooms, around the campus, and near light switches and air conditioner control panels. We are hoping to turn the no-plastic on-campus poster into a Prem policy.
We want these posters and stickers to remind people about basic environmental etiquette and to be responsible for our environment.
Oojee (G8)
Eco-Committee Journalist
10/28/2023
PREM PANTHERS @ CMAC SENIOR SWIM MEET
The CMAC Senior School Swim Meet, held at PREM on Thursday, 5 October, was a great day for all in the pool. With swimmers from 12 schools in attendance, Prem finished second overall in points, with many individual and medley races won by Prem swim team members. Well done to everyone who took part this year!
Adam Copus
Co-Athletics Director
CONGRATULATIONS TO PREM JS SWIM TEAM MEMBERS
JS Swimmers had a great day in the pool at the CMAC JS Swim Meet at NIS on 3rd October 2023-- finishing in 3rd place overall with 320 points total. PREM swimmers at this event were supportive of one another, energetic, and excited with their efforts and results. Thank you to Ajarn March, Ajarn Sam, Khun Fah, Ajarn Yuwadee, & Ajarn Kelly for coaching the JS Swim Team. Great job everybody!
Adam Copus
Co-Athletics Director
10/28/2023
Music Academy – 9th November Concert reminder
Music Academy shares some musical moments…
Thursday 9th November 3:45pm SS Undercroft.
Come and enjoy some lovely music solos and duets from our Music Academy students as they share their latest musical pieces with us.
This is a free concert, open to all students, staff and parents.
Refreshments will be available.
Christopher Johnson
Director Music Academy
Join us for your PSC Monthly "Meet Up" this November. Meet your PSC Grade & Cultural Ambassadors, along with other parents at Prem. Find out more about how the PSC supports the school. This month we take a look at how Prem and PSC support families at home by strengthening the Home - School Relationship.
Please submit any questions to PSCsecretary@ptis.ac.th before Friday, 10 November.
Traidhos Winter Outdoor And Nature Craft Camp
Traidhos Camp would like to invite children aged 5-8 to join Traidhos Winter Outdoor And Nature Craft Camp on 18-22 December 2023. Please scan the QR code to register or contact camp@threegeneration.org
Come join our weekly parent group, where we discuss mindfulness, self-inquiry, and how to support our children and families. Drop-ins are welcome and we are really excited to welcome you into our parent community!
11/4/2023