Good Morning Everybody,
Today’s Community News lead article is by Linda Buck and is a celebration of Founders’ Day. Twenty-three years ago, Lister Hannah, Timothy Ellis joined together with our owner Mom Tri to begin the planning for Prem Tinsulanonda International School. At that time, there were no buildings, not even trees, just paddy fields. Together they brought into being the vision for a highly progressive, environmentally-oriented international school, where outdoor education, creativity, and global citizenship were emphasised alongside a first-class academic education.
At the Founder’s Day assembly yesterday, there were many tributes to Mom Tri and his legacy, including those from our Head of Community at Traidhos, Lynda Rolph (who runs the summer and winter camps at Prem), Alex Soulsby our creative director and the Student Councils. The Middle School student council collected many heartfelt thanks from students including those for:
“My classes; for the support I receive from my teachers and my friends; for the peaceful and calming environment; for the food in the cafeteria; for the fact that Prem is accepting and loving; for the beauty of the campus; for having experienced a great education and to be part of this community.” Thank you to Pun (Gr8) and Domenica (Gr6) for compiling those.
Alex Soulsby finished with these words: In our celebration today, we honor the ethos that has transformed these hundred acres into a nurturing ground for the next generation of global citizens, championing sustainability, diversity, and the continuous cycle of learning and growth. Thank you, Mom Tri and our fellow founders for planting this seed, for believing in the fertile promise of education, and for guiding us towards a harvest of hope, human potential and good thinking.
It was immensely evident from the applause at the end of the assembly, how much Mom Tri’s vision and foresight is appreciated by everybody. It is a real privilege to be part of Prem’s story and build upon the work of so many talented educators and students.
Do take a look at the articles this week, and please consider supporting Sophia Munoz’s initiative to encourage as many members of our community as possible to donate blood. She says: “I am excited to announce that the Thai Red Cross Chiang Mai Regional Blood Bank will be coming to Prem on 6 December from 9:00am to 12:00pm at the Senior School Undercroft. This is a great way to give back to the community. Did you know that in one hour of our time, we can save 3 lives? The actual donation process is less than 10 minutes. You will register first, have a health check, donate, rest for ten minutes and enjoy a snack.” Please read her article for more information!
Wishing everybody a happy and healthy weekend!
With very best wishes,
Rachel Keys M.A. (Oxon), M.Ed.
Head of School
LOOKING BACK AT PREM
I have had the great pleasure of watching Prem grow over the last 20 years, and it is always with pride that I speak about this wonderful school. When I first visited the school in 2003 I told my friend 'I would love to live and work here'. I never thought for one moment that 20 years later I would still be 'living and working' in this amazing location, in a school that is so much more than just a school. I still get pleasure from driving onto the campus and knowing this is my home as well as my work space.
I was invited to the 2005 graduation that was attended by General Prem, and have been at every graduation since, feeling sad for the students that had to have very low key celebrations during the pandemic, but so pleased to see the graduating students of 2023 enjoying their day. There was a graduation in 2004, with just 18 students graduating. One of those students, Stephanie, was the daughter of our then Head of School, Lister Hannah. In 2005 General Prem was our VIP guest, and in 2010 we had the largest number of students on the stage with 58 students graduating. Most years have seen between 40 - 50 graduating students.
We are always pleased to see our Alumni students returning to visit their 'old school'. For our boarders it seems that it really was their second home, and day students enjoy visiting to see their teachers and see how the school has changed.
Never underestimate the power that Prem has over the people who drive through its gates, once visited, never forgotten...and may this long continue! Happy Birthday Prem!
Linda Buck
Director of Boarding
Making Transdisciplinary Connections Visible in Grade 1
In Grade 1, the IB PYP transdisciplinary connections come to life through a vibrant exploration of the Day of the Dead and Cultural Celebrations unit. The Forest School led by teacher Tona is a component that introduces students to the natural world, allowing them to draw inspiration from the environment for their artistic and musical endeavours. Through outdoor activities, they develop a deeper connection to nature, reinforcing the interdependence between the environment and cultural traditions. The children have used sustainable materials to create a larger than life skull pinata. In Music with teacher Paopao, students engage in rhythmic expressions inspired by the celebratory beats associated with the Day of the Dead. Art class with teacher Kelly is a canvas for cultural exploration as students create visual representations of traditional symbols and practices, fostering a cross-cultural understanding. The children had the opportunity to create beautiful papel picados and learn the process of using the oven to kiln the ceramic skulls. Homeroom activities serve as a hub for reflection and integration, where students share their experiences from different disciplines, weaving a tapestry of knowledge that embraces diversity and fosters a holistic understanding of cultural celebrations. This transdisciplinary approach not only enriches academic learning but also nurtures a sense of curiosity, empathy, and interconnectedness among Grade 1 students and the greater community.
Wendy Mills
Grade 1 Teacher, U20 & U16 Girls Basketball Coach, & JS Head of Houses
Understanding the Power of Forces and Simple Machines
Grade 4 students have been delving into the fascinating world of forces and motion as part of their How The World Works unit of inquiry. This unit aims to demonstrate how human understanding of forces and motion leads to creative and practical applications. As part of their exploration, the students recently embarked on an exciting field trip to our local farm.
Accompanied by their teachers, Mr. Ter and Mr. Jed, the grade 4 students had the opportunity to work closely with various machines and observe the forces at play. The farm visit provided a hands-on experience for the students to witness the practical applications of forces in action.
During their visit, the students were introduced to a range of machines, each serving a unique purpose. They explored a saw used for cutting wood, a rice crusher, a rice grinder, a slingshot, and even a bicycle equipped with a blender. Through these experiences, the students were able to identify and understand different types of forces, including applied force, spring force, and gravitational force.
Following their initial exploration, the students further deepened their understanding of forces by studying simple machines. This knowledge allowed them to identify the simple machines present at the farm during their visit. Additionally, they had the opportunity to experience firsthand how these simple machines make work easier.
For instance, the students revisited the rice grinder and rice crusher to compare the ease of using the machines versus manually crushing the rice with their hands. Similarly, they observed the benefits of using a plough with a buffalo, as opposed to performing the labour-intensive task themselves.
By engaging in these practical experiences, the grade 4 students gained a deeper appreciation for the role of forces and simple machines in our daily lives. They were able to connect their classroom learning to real-world applications, fostering a greater understanding of the concepts taught in their How The World Works unit.
As the students continue their exploration of forces and motion, they are excited to apply their newfound knowledge to future projects and investigations. The hands-on experience at the farm has undoubtedly sparked their curiosity and inspired them to think creatively about the practical applications of forces in various contexts.
Megan Gless
Grade 4 PYP Teacher
Weekend in Boarding!
Our weekend in boarding started with a wonderful Chinese hotpot on Friday evening. On Saturday, we went to Central Festival and CMU Night Market to buy food, utensils, and decorations for our rooms. Then, on Sunday, we had a great time making 'Hummus' and taking part in exciting activities at the XCenter Chiang Mai. To end the day, everyone enjoyed a relaxing swim in the evening. The students took full advantage of a time for complete rest and relaxation, engaging in a variety of activities tailored to individual interests.
Natayathon Intarakumhang (Jang)
Senior School Thai Teacher & Boarding staff
Music Academy Concert 9 November: A Celebration of Creativity
Thank you and congratulations to all of the students who took part in the Music Academy Concert last Thursday. These were wonderful performances and it was clear everyone had practised and prepared for this special event; sharing their joyful performances with all those who attended.
For some students, this was their first concert – wow! We would like to encourage you to prepare for the next concert now that you have passed those first concert performance feelings. For those of you who are already on your musical journey and have performed many times before, thank you also for sharing the joy of your musical performances. Take time to reflect ‘what went well’ and ‘even better if’ as you prepare for the next concert.
Thank you to all of the Visiting Specialist Music Staff who worked closely with the students and encouraged them along the way. Particular thanks should go to Khun Pong who works closely with me in the Music Academy.
If anyone would like to perform again, there will be another opportunity on 14 December in the Winter Wonderland Festival. The sign-up form has already been shared with everyone and the deadline for entries is Friday, 8 December 8:00am.
Well done everyone!
Chris Johnson
Director Music Academy
Prem Symphonic Band: Get your tickets while you can!
One of the many fantastic artistic initiatives at Prem and one that is under the inspired guidance of our Curriculum Leader for the Arts, Teacher Laurent, the Prem Symphonic Band really demonstrates a clear embodiment of communal spirit and creative expression.
As the leaves turn and the cool breeze of December begins to sweep through our campus we are only a couple of weeks away from the upcoming PSB Gala Concert, scheduled for the evening of December 1. This event is set to be a showcase of some of the collective musical talents that flourish within our Middle and Senior School.
The concert promises to provide not just a performance, but a celebration of the end of the PSB's inaugural season—a season that has seen growth, collaboration, and the pure joy of music-making. Set against the backdrop of our beautiful Amphitheatre, this Gala Concert promises to be an event that marries captivating music with the natural beauty of our campus.
The event also serves a noble purpose, supporting future PSB events, retreats, and festivals. With tickets available at an early bird price of 500 baht at the cashier and 600 baht at the door, it's an invitation to not only indulge in the musical prowess of our students but to also invest in the continuation of such inspiring school events.
We extend our invitation to all within our community to join us and applaud the young musicians who will take to the stage, ready to end their season on a note as high as their aspirations.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Alex Soulsby
Creative Director
Give the Gift of Life- Sophia Munoz Grade 10
Dear Community,
I am excited to announce that the Thai Red Cross Chiang Mai Regional Blood Bank will be coming to Prem on 6 December from 9:00am to 12:00pm at the Senior School Undercroft. This is a great way to give back to the community.
Did you know that in one hour of our time, we can save 3 lives? The actual donation process is less than 10 minutes. You will register first, have a health check, donate, rest for ten minutes and enjoy a snack.
Prepare to be a donor by eating a healthy low-fat breakfast, no alcohol the day before, and drink plenty of water.
All blood types are needed. All donors are welcomed.
But did you know that Rh-Negative is considered a Rare Blood Type in Thailand? We have a lot of people at Prem who can help.
This blood drive is a special blood drive as it is the first to allow donors from the United Kingdom, France and Ireland! These donors are welcomed back. For over thirty years, these donors were deferred. There is a special process for these donors.
Please read the information on the flyer. There are rules to be a donor. Open to the Community. Please join us and Give the Gift of Life.
If you have any questions, please contact Sophia Munoz at Sophiamu@ptis.ac.th
Sophia Munoz
Grade 10
U10/U8 Friendly Football Tournament - 21 Nov @PREM
With many other CMAC school teams, and a few food trucks on site, Tuesday, 21 November should be a fun afternoon of U10/U8 Football action at PREM. First Kickoff is at 3:30pm.
Adam Copus
Co-Athletics Director
On behalf of our Senior School Leadership Team, it is my sincere pleasure to invite you to attend our in-person Academic Pathways & Options Evening on Wednesday, November 22nd from 5.00-7:00 p.m. This event is a key part of our guidance and support process for Grade 10s to determine their future pathway that best supports their passions and preferences. The evening is designed to help you and your children better understand the respective IB pathway programmes we offer here at Prem –the Prem High School Diploma, the IBDP and the IBCP-- as well as learn more about our college counseling programme.
The schedule for the evening is as follows:
5:00-6:00 p.m. - Introduction to the DP/CP Academic Pathways and College Counselling support
6:00-7:00 p.m. - DP/CP Academic Pathways & Options Fair - meet and greet DP/CP teachers and learn about subjects on offer (Auditorium).
If parents are unable to attend in person, we recommend students connect with you via video call on personal devices for these teacher conversations.
Parents & students -- Upon arrival, please register at the Information desk at the Auditorium entrance.
Dear G6 to G10 Parents,
We are pleased to invite you and sincerely hope you can join us for our Home Support for Literacy Development and Literacy Pro workshop, led by Ajarn Tammy, SS Literacy & Mother Tongue Coordinator, on Thursday, 23 November (please see below for more information). Please fill out the RSVP form if you would like to attend.
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!
Join our November Parent Wellbeing Workshop on Tuesday, 21 November from 2:00-3:00 P.M. We will be visited by guest presenter Vincent Hernon of SolarSelf Consulting, here to help you explore your most important connection of all - your connection to self. By learning how to deepen our self-love, we are better able to show up for our families, relationships, and to the world. We hope to see you there!
Katie McLean
Well Being Coordinator
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