English
04–11–23
Head of School Message
Good morning everybody,
I hope you had a great week in school and that you have some fun activities lined up for the weekend.
Today’s lead article is from our Director of Admissions and Marketing, Tam Fawcett, and is on the subject of ‘Growing Prem’. Increasing enrolment at Prem, is one of our strategic school goals for the reason that with greater student numbers, we increase our income, which in turn means we can offer the best remuneration and benefits to our staff; continue to improve our facilities and resources, and continue to ensure the maximum breadth of programmes and subject choices.
It is important to say that we are committed to managing that growth carefully to ensure that we retain our international diversity of students coming from different countries, cultures and language backgrounds. There is a great advantage to having a multiplicity of perspectives in the classroom and this adds to students’ intercultural understanding and appreciation. We continue to seek diversity in our student body through the various Marketing strategies that Tam outlines in her article as well as through offering ‘Diversity Scholarships’. We are proud of the 30+ nationalities that are enrolled at Prem and would like to continue to increase that breadth.
One way we can give families the opportunity to experience a Prem Education is through short-term study options. This can be anything from a week’s insight, to a month or a semester. As mentioned before, in January we are welcoming approximately 30 Korean students for 4-6 weeks who will be studying in Grades 1-8 and in IEP. You can read about the process of meeting and interviewing those students in Jennifer Verontaye’s article. Jennifer and Linda Buck went to Seoul last weekend to meet our ‘short-term’ students and to ensure that through their English language and proficiency, attitudes and dispositions they will all assimilate smoothly into Prem classrooms and enhance our environment through increased cultural diversity.
Building a stronger community through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is an important school goal this year, alongside continuing our work on Personalised Learning and ensuring a positive reaccreditation from CIS, NEASC, IB and ONESQA. Our Education Committee that meets next week will be focussed on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and it is also an important agenda item at the next joint SLT and Board Meeting later this month. Ensuring full inclusion and access to learning is an important role of every teacher as well as the Student Support department. On December 5th, a Public Holiday for children, our teachers will be sharing their expertise in Professional Development designed around Differentiation and Language Learning, as well as a range of other topics.
I hope knowing about these school areas for focus increases your understanding of Prem’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and provides some confirmation and reassurance about future focus. I will leave you with a graphical reminder of our three key school’s goals for this year, and wish you an excellent weekend.
With very best wishes,
Rachel Keys M.A. (Oxon), M.Ed.
Head of School
11/4/2023
Senior Leadership Team Message
Growing Prem
Over the past two months, the Marketing Department has incorporated a diverse array of channels to increase Prem’s visibility and appeal. A key initiative this year is active participation in education fairs, both locally and abroad, where we can showcase our commitment to high-quality education, our beautiful campus and all that our supportive international community has to offer. These fairs provide a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse pool of prospective students and parents who seek international education opportunities, allowing them to explore the benefits of an education at Prem. To date Linda Buck, Director of Boarding and I attended an education fair in Yangon and Jennifer Verontaye, Principal of IEP and Interim Assistant Principal of Senior School, and Linda attended a private gathering of interested parents in Seoul.
For the first time, we placed a print ad in Upward Curve magazine distributed in over 50 airport business lounges throughout Asia and Europe. This exposure resulted in us being contacted by Rolls Royce in London with an offer to be in their celebratory 120-year anniversary coffee book. Despite declining the offer, it is clear that the magazine reaches a select and influential audience.
Will Langston, our new Head of Digital Media, has been pivotal in increasing our social media online presence and expanding to new platforms, effectively broadening our digital footprint.
To enhance our reach and further cement our presence in the online space, we continue to embrace digital advertising through Facebook and Google ads. These cost effective ads give us access to a wide user base, diverse ad formats and detailed analytics. They also enable us to precisely target demographics.
We continue to maintain a strong presence on BKK and Chiang Mai Kids websites, which are an important resource for parents seeking international education in Thailand. Our own website was optimised to be a marketing tool with a more multimedia presence and translation functionality making it easier to access information.
On 16 November, a campaign with "Study International" will be launched to attract boarding students. This initiative emphasises the unique opportunities Prem offers for international students who want to broaden their horizons. At our recent College fair, Sandra Thompson, Communications and Community Outreach, spoke with college representatives to promote Prem’s Study Abroad Programme through each representative's high school counsellor connections.
Also on the horizon will be more networking events for Chiang Mai’s business community, Open Days to provide a direct connection with potential students and parents; Bangkok and Chiang Mai Education Fairs; an online international fair hosted by BKK and ChiangMai KIds further expanding our reach by allowing students and parents from around the world to explore our offerings from the comfort of their homes.
With the support of our community, we can continue to thrive and provide world-class education to students from all corners of the globe. If you have a moment, please help by writing a Google Review and liking or commenting on our social media posts. These simple actions can amplify our online visibility and serve as testimonials for the benefits of an education at Prem.
Tam Fawcett
Director Marketing and Admissions
11/4/2023
This Week at Prem
11/4/2023
Senior School
Sharing Our Ideas on Language and Identity
Three secondary teachers shared their ideas about language and identity as multilingual speakers. Ajarn Agnes and Ajarn Max joined the G11 Lang B English as part of the Unit Language and Identity and communicated how they feel as multilingual speakers. Ajarn Max shared how the structure of German impacts on how he describes the world, while Ajarn Agnes contributed with her belief that being able to communicate with others is a superpower! Ajarn Tammy also told us about her experience of being a Third Culture Kid growing up in the USA. Lots of joyful learning here at Prem!
Samantha Dawkins
Curriculum Leader for Language Acquisition
EAL Support
Grade 9 Achieves Summit in Adventurous International Award Journey
Grade 9 students recently reached the pinnacle of their International Award journey by conquering Doi Pui's summit, standing tall at 1685 metres above sea level in just two days and one night. Their unwavering spirit and commitment to this endeavour shone through as they exhibited self-sufficiency by preparing their own meals and bearing the load of team gear and tents. Amidst the dense jungle, they camped at Suthep Campsite, basking in the breathtaking sight of the city's lights below.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Ajarn Ambika, Ajarn Mark, and Ajarn Ian for ensuring students' safety during this remarkable adventure. Along the way, students journeyed through culturally rich sites, passing by Wat Palat, a hidden jungle temple, and Wat Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the city. The students' journey commenced at 300 metres above sea level, making it one of the most realistic and challenging adventures they have experienced.
Tona Arriaga
Forest School and Outdoor Learning Coordinator
11/4/2023
Whole School Activities
Korean Winter Program
Last weekend Linda Buck, Director of Boarding and I were poised for a marketing adventure as we travelled to Seoul Korea to promote Prem! In collaboration with Knightsbridge Education we are currently organising a Winter Program where a select group of open-minded and enthusiastic children from Korea will attend Prem for either 4 or 6 weeks in January and February of this school year. Related to global citizenship, one of our aims as an IB world school is to continuously create opportunities for young people to gain intercultural competencies: meeting new people from different cultures with diverse experiences and backgrounds, developing the understanding that everyone is diverse and everyone is unique.
“Intercultural dialogue is the best guarantee of a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.” - Robert Alan (American writer, artist and social activist)
With the help of Dr. Kerin Kim, who will also be accompanying the Winter Program students, we are predicting approximately 25 students ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 8. Logistically there will be 1 or 2 students joining a homeroom class, helping us to ensure that there is very minimal impact to our current students’ learning and teacher responsibilities. Some of the students will be joining our excellent Boarding program, while others will be day students. Potential Winter Program students have been completing English language tests and participating in admissions interviews as part of the selection process. Students who are in the beginning phase of learning English will be joining Prem’s Intensive English Programme (IEP), as we try to ensure each child will be able to access the curriculum and be successful and happy in their learning at Prem.
Welcoming these visiting students is a wonderful opportunity to promote our Prem community and our beautiful local Thai culture. As it happens, the Winter Program will be occurring during one of Prem’s most meaningful cultural events: Prem International Day, so we are looking forward to celebrating our diversity together.
If you are a current parent and interested in connecting with any of the Korean families who will be visiting Prem in January, please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions department so we can work towards facilitating communication between families.
Jennifer Verontaye
IEP Principal
Interim AP of Senior School
Lead for PD
NETWORKING EVENT AT THE SHANGRI-LA
On Thursday 2nd November, teachers, parents and associates of Prem joined together to network, share business ideas and enjoy an evening together. Prem holds business networking events throughout the year to bring everyone together.
As part of the event the grade 11 and 12 IBCP students participated to develop their networking, greeting and service skills. Students greeted guests as they arrived, manned the registration desk and learnt how to start and maintain business conversations. This gives them an opportunity to develop valuable skills that are difficult to develop within the school environment.
Stay tuned for Prem’s next Networking event and join us to see our students in action as well as meet business people from Chiang Mai’s community at large.
Dr. Emma Shaw
IBDP ESS
IBCP Coordinator
CAS/SL Coordinator
WWF Eco schools Coordinator
SEEKING PREMATHLON DONORS
The spirit of giving and community support is set to take centre stage at this year's much-anticipated Premathlon, and we are seeking local and Prem businesses to come together to show their support for various charitable causes. This collaborative effort aims to raise funds for a range of initiatives, highlighting the crucial causes that Prem supports: Advocates for Global Welfare, Adopt Me…Ow!, Food Bank, Hand to Paw, Local Prem Coffee, Medecins Sans Frontieres, Microlending Lil’ Loans, Operation Smile, RWS, Save the Children and Threads of Change.
If you would like to participate by donating to the raffle prizes while promoting your business at the same time, email sandrat@ptis.ac.th
The Premathlon, fueled by the generosity of local and Prem businesses in our community, promises to not only be a fun-filled event but also a heartfelt display of community support as a beacon of hope for the causes it champions. Join in, support, and be part of this impactful journey towards a better world for all.
Sandra Thompson
Communications and Community Outreach
Marketing and Admissions
11/4/2023
The Arts
Junior School Music's Vibrant Journey
In the enchanting realm of our Junior School Music lessons, a symphony of creativity and learning plays on. The students' musical journey unfolds in diverse and exciting ways, resulting in a harmonious blend of knowledge and fun. We proudly present three recent captivating articles that capture the essence of our musical journey. Each article provides a unique window into the world of our students as they explore the realms of music and culture.
“G5 Musical Highlight!”
In preparation for next year’s Junior School Music concert, our G5 students are embarking on an exciting musical journey. They are learning the new instrument that they chose this year, which is ukulele. They are learning how to strum, play chords and later learn to sing a Spanish song. What makes this journey even more special is that we had two wonderful Spanish guests, Ajarn Tona and Ajarn Carla, who not only taught us how to sing a Spanish song with proper pronunciation but also shared valuable insights into their language and culture. Our goal was not just to sing a Spanish song but to gain a deeper understanding of the rich culture it represents through firsthand experiences. We applied what we learned on ukulele with chords and strumming patterns and gained a better understanding about the song in Spanish.
Stay tuned for what promises to be a harmonious and culturally enriching performance by our G5 students at the upcoming concert!
“Cultural Celebration Unites students in Vibrant Junior School Assembly”
In collaboration with the Cultural Celebration unit in G1, the Music and G1 LOTE Chinese class came together to present a vibrant showcase “The Moon Cake” song during the Junior School Assembly. Under the guidance of Ajarn Peter, this performance featured musical accompaniment by Ajarn Pao Pao on the piano. Additionally, non-Chinese students added their unique touch by skillfully playing the boomwhackers, which they learned from Ajarn Pao Pao and Ajarn Susie in Music lessons.
Chinese students further enriched the presentation by dancing and singing to the song and performing a skit that had been meticulously prepared by Ajarn Peter. Their efforts contributed to a memorable showcase highlighting the diversity and talents within our school community.
“Spook-tacular Halloween Fun in Junior School Music Classroom!”
This Halloween week in our Junior School Music classroom was truly a musical spook-tacular! Our students had a fantastic time participating in a unique and thrilling activity known as the 'Composer Graveyard.' The Music classroom underwent a magical transformation into a graveyard adorned with tombstones. Our brave students embarked on a scavenger hunt to uncover the musical secrets hidden within the tombstones of legendary composers, including Bach, Mozart, Wagner, Beethoven, Beach, Grieg, Still, and Saint-Saens. Armed with flashlights, they scoured the room for clues and information about these eight music composers.
But the adventure didn't end there! After successfully revealing the composer's secrets, students were off to the next challenge – searching for hidden, invisible rhythmic patterns concealed throughout the Music classroom. It was an exhilarating journey through music and mystery, keeping our young learners thoroughly engaged.
Our youngest learners, the Early Years students, had a delightful time exploring spooky scarf movements set to hauntingly beautiful music and learning the song "Pass the Pumpkin" while also mastering the art of maintaining a steady beat in the music. These special Halloween activities made learning music a truly enjoyable experience for our students!
Pao Pao
Junior School Music Teacher
11/4/2023
Check Out our Upcoming Events
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