Our Commitment to Community Events

A school becomes a community when we bring our students, teachers and parents together. Our school’s mission revolves around 4 pillars. These are critical thinking, creativity, sustainability, and last but not least, community. Prem's owner and founder, Mom Tri, started Prem with the idea of three generations, a place where children, parents and grandparents could come together as a community. In this respect, we are a school that is devoted towards developing community spirit and fostering human connection.

To this end, we put much time, care and attention towards creating a number of events that bring our community together. This week was a perfect example, framed by two community events in the Junior School. The Grade 4 Market Day brought many members of our community together this past Thursday afternoon in the Prem Quad. This community market was the product of a sustained transdisciplinary unit of inquiry in Grade 4, whereby students were tasked to learn to be collaborators, mathematicians and entrepreneurs, and to apply their learning in a real world context. Students designed products based on market research and sold their creations to our parents, students and teachers. All of this was in an effort to raise money for charity. We're proud of our Grade 4 students and Grade 4 teachers for their tremendous efforts. Moreover, we're grateful to our parent community (and grandparent community) who came out to support our students and participate in this lively community event.

On Friday afternoon our Prem community came together for our annual Junior School Musical. A group of hard-working Junior School students have been busy for months engaging in drama, creativity and the theatrical arts. These students, with the support of Ajarn Agnes, Ajarn Claire and Ajarn Pao Pao, manifested their learning as a wonderful school musical entitled ‘Alice and the Make Believers of Dreams’. I wish to thank these teachers and students for their wonderful collaboration and creation. Their efforts provided our community with a true gift. 

Throughout the year we have many community events planned. We encourage all of our families to get involved, to join in on the fun, and to celebrate the learning. It is only in this way, with the participation and support of our wonderful group of Prem parents, that our school truly becomes a community.

Justin Jarman
Junior School Principal

International Mother Language Day

We are looking forward to celebrating International Mother Language Day on Friday, 16 February. International Mother Language Day is a world recognized celebration of mother languages. We celebrate this event at Prem as a way to honour our linguistic diversity and promote multilingualism. You can read more about the official International Mother Language Day recognized by the UN HERE. 

This week, our mother language and literacy coordinators met with the parent cultural ambassadors to reflect on last year's celebration and discuss plans that will make this day a real cultural and linguistic treat for all our young learners. Our Junior, Senior, and IEP schools are collaborating to make this an inclusive and immersive mother language experience for all.

To make this celebration happen, we're reaching out to you – yes, you! Calling on all parent volunteers in every language, English included. We need your expertise in your mother language to help plan activities for different age groups. The more, the merrier, so gather your parent friends and sign up! Larger language groups of students will require more parent volunteers. To start the planning action, please follow the links below and fill out the yellow-highlighted columns.

● EY1 and EY2 parents sign up sheet
● EY3 and G1 parents sign up sheet
● Grade 2 and 3 parents sign up sheet
● Grade 4 and 5 parents sign up sheet

This celebration is a testament to our commitment to valuing multilingualism and embracing linguistic diversity. Here's a glimpse of the day's plans:

8:00-10:00 a.m.: Mother Language Assemblies (Senior School 8-8:40 and JS 9-9:45)
9:55-10:15: Various Mother Language activities in the Quad run by Senior School students 1
2:05-1:30 p.m.: Various Mother Language activities in the Quad run by Senior School students
1:00-2:00: Different Mother Language activities run by parents for Junior School students at different locations and different grade levels
2:00-2:20: Senior School Buddy readers in different languages for the Junior School students.

Let's make this celebration a joyful and engaging one! Can't wait to see you all there. 

Mayada Bayomi 
JS - Literacy Coordinator and EAL Teacher 
Master of Education (M.ED.)

Third Year Military Training Completed!

Within the school community, mandatory military training is a customary practice for Thai male students. Over the years, around 250 students from our school have successfully completed this training. Most recently, seven Grade 12 students concluded their third-year training cycle at the Army Circle 33 - Chiang Mai Student Military Training Center from January 16 to 19, 2024. Congratulations to Four, Yuan, Nontakorn, Hayden, Thee, Ryan and Matthew!

Chanrit Jindamorakot (Kai)
Student Military Service Coordinator

Thank YOU for your Warm Heart! 

Dear Prem community,

On 1 January 2024, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale took place on the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The Tsunami damaged at least 100 acres in some cities and went up to 1.2M high. The earthquake caused about 232 deaths as well as a lot of injuries, collapsed houses, spreaded fires, among others. There are many people still missing. This Japanese region has severe cold winds, heavy snow and extreme winters. Even though it has been more than a month since this natural disaster, about 10,750 people have been evacuated and are suffering from cold conditions with minimum food, water and basic necessities.

The Japanese booth raised 15,995thb towards this cause on International Day. After the event, your donations were sent directly to Ishikawa Prefecture regions where it is most needed (*please see the attachment).

Thank YOU very much for giving with a warm heart towards Japanese victims who are still living under very difficult conditions.

Japanese Country Booth

International Day

Senior School Week:  An Epic Adventure of Outdoors and Cultural Learning! 

This week unfolded as a vibrant collection of experiences, combining cultural immersion, adventure and academic exploration for Grades 6 through 11.  Each grade not only engaged in thrilling activities but also lived and learned in diverse local settings, creating memories to last a lifetime.  

• Grade 6 students bamboo rafted through Tham Lod cave, trekked to a Karen hill tribe village and explored the magical cultures they encountered. This was not just an adventure; it was a masterclass in teamwork, resilience, and understanding.  
• In the Chiang Dao area, Grade 7 students built mud bricks, cooked their own dinner, hiked in the jungle, participated in community service at Pang Deng Nai school and played with local kids.  
• Grade 8 visited Yimsoo Farm where they learned about vocational training for people with disabilities. These included traditional Lanna gold painting, Phutan mushroom cultivation, hydroponic vegetables and tree planting. Students also painted a fence and helped to prepare the grow bags and nursery at the Yimsoo farm.  
• Grade 9 experienced Ban Pakia, living amongst eight different family homestays. Learning about Akha traditional customs, gender roles, weaving grass, experiencing natural dye activities, and engaging with local blacksmithing traditions, the students forged connections with the Akha people. Songs, dances, hiking, swimming and campfire cooking added a joyful dimension to their cultural exploration.
• Grade 10 also stayed in the local Ban Pakia village, embarked on kayaking adventures in Sri Lanna National Park, and explored Mae Ngat Dam and the Mae Taeng Valley.  Besides honing on their paddling skills, they also learned about the local culture. The mix of camping, cooking their own food, and cultural exploration enhanced their understanding of the world around them.
• Grade 11 was in Chiang Dao and collected data from the natural environment for Biology, ESS, Chemistry and Physics. Night nature walks, stargazing, sketching and writing in nature journals, bird watching and marshmallow roasting over a fire added a touch of adventure to their academic pursuit. Balancing academic rigour with relaxation, students enjoyed time with friends, laughter, and the serenity of nature – a holistic experience fostering both academic and personal growth.  

This Senior School Learning Week nurtured a sense of cultural appreciation and community connection. Through their diverse experiences, our students learned, lived, laughed and created bonds they will remember for years to come!

Sandra Thompson
Communications and Community Outreach
Marketing and Admissions

Grade 5 PYP Exhibition Parents Meeting

The PYP (Primary Years Programme) Exhibition Parent Meeting was a collaborative and engaging event that brought together parents, students, and teachers together to foster a sense of community and share insights into the exhibition process. Grade 5 teachers recapped fundamental elements of the PYP, shedding light on the methodology and goals of the program. This gathering served as a platform for parents to better understand the comprehensive approach to learning adopted by the PYP and the celebration of learning in the Junior School through the PYP Exhibition. Furthermore, the event provided a space for students to showcase their inquiry ideas, passions, and the exciting opportunities they envisioned for their projects. The exchange of ideas, thoughts, and wonderings among all participants not only enriched the understanding of the exhibition process but also strengthened the collaborative spirit essential for the success of the PYP Exhibition journey.

Alix Snyder
Grade 5 Teacher

Entrepreneurs on Campus! 

Did you know that there are believed to be more than 582 million entrepreneurs in the world?! Now it is time to add 33 more to that list as the Grade 4’s have embarked into the world of Entrepreneurship through our How We Organise Ourselves Unit of Inquiry.

At the start of the process, the students used their research skills to engage in real world case studies to deepen their understanding of the word entrepreneur and what it means. The case studies focused on a range of children in Australia who were able to start their own small businesses and make money that they could reinvest, donate to charity and buy things on their wish lists. 

From here students began to think of products that they could produce and bring to market. They gathered in groups and began brainstorming the products. We had a wide range of ideas from cookies, smoothies, slime, activities with prizes, snacks, milkshakes, soap, mini toys, candles, bookmarks and bracelets.

Next they conducted some market research, using a Google Form to send out questionnaires to their potential customers and asking for their preferences. They used their maths skills to analyse the data and look at the demand from the customers and this enabled them to make final decisions about their products colours, sizes, flavours and more.

The next phase in the process was to begin researching and pricing up the materials they would need. This step included a trip to a local store, Super Cheap, where they were able to compare prices and buy items in bulk for their products. 

Students interviewed with teacher Terr from the forest school and teacher Tam from the marketing department to learn about ways in which they could successfully market their products. They used this new knowledge to create adverts, posters and logos to help share their products with consumers. Work then began on building and making their products from scratch to get ready to sell.

The great thing about this unit was that it involved so many of the learner profiles. Many thinking skills and inquiry skills were used in the early planning stages of their businesses. They learned to be caring by making compromises and being open minded to the ideas and perspectives of others. They used many different communication skills to work with their teams and they were principled when thinking of fair pricing for their customers. Finally, they took action by donating their profits to local charities and helping those less fortunate in our local community.

The Grade 4 Market Day took place on Thursday, 1 February and as always, was a huge success thanks to our Prem community and wonderful customers! We look forward to sharing how much was earned by our entrepreneurs and where/how that money was able to make a difference in our local community! Thank you again for your support and stopping by our Grade 4 Market Day! 

Vicki Jagger and Megan Gless

Grade 4 Teachers

EY1 Community Time at the Farm 

On Thursday, the 11th of January it was EY1's first community time of the year 2024. The EY1 community, comprised of EY1 students, teachers, and parents, convened for their inaugural community gathering at the Farm. The day commenced with a leisurely walk to the Farm, affording a delightful opportunity for parents to engage with their children and forge connections with their children's friends and their parents simultaneously. Upon our arrival, we were graciously welcomed by teachers Ter, Jade, and Kong.

Teacher Ter prepared two engaging activities, which included making Roselle juice and cooking 'Khao Jee with egg' or Grilled Sticky Rice with egg. Community time serves as an invaluable occasion for parents to foster connections with their children and gain insight into the ongoings at school. EY1 was exceptionally fortunate to host this community gathering at the Farm.

The event was characterised by the pleasure derived from observing seamless communication, genuine expressions of interest, and the collective enjoyment of all parents, students, and teachers. This community gathering was truly a memorable and enriching experience. I would like to thank teacher Ter and his team for preparing this event and all the parents who attended this memorable experience.

Julia Simhony

EY1 Teacher

Exciting Update from Grade 9 Product Design Students at PTIS!

Grade 9 Product Design students are blending elements of technology and artistry! In their unit on Adornment, students delve into the intersection of cultural expression and market dynamics as they design and make fashion accessories out of metal.

Learning important technological skills for design and manufacture (CAD CAM) students are engaged in the intricate process of translating hand drawn sketches into digital concept drawings, then tangible prototypes using the 3D printer.

Taking it a step further, the final iteration of each piece involves hand-crafting these prototypes using pewter, which will be the first time most of them have worked with metal as a material, or a casting process. This project emphasises meticulous planning. Students are honing their organisational skills to ensure the successful execution of their ideas. Post-design, the evaluation phase involves user and field testing, examining the success of their creations against self-established criteria.

Erica Denison
TOK Coordinator

Another Great Boarding Weekend!

The weekend in Prem Boarding kicked off with a small cosy bonfire, marshmallows, and Thai-style grilled rice from Teacher Jang. As the cold weather set in, warmth and singing a song filled the air.

On Saturday, the boarding crew explored the old city, capturing Chiang Mai visiting Wat Chedi Luang and shopping at Maya. Sunday brought diverse activities – some enjoyed the flavours of Dantewada cafe, while others planted trees in Boarding. We wrapped up the weekend with a refreshing swim, washing away stress before Monday.

From the crackling bonfire to the town adventures and the variety of activities, it was another fun weekend in our boarding.

Bobby Woraphon 
Junior Boarding Parent 

Intercultural Day at Prem Boarding 

On Sunday, 28 January, the boarding community at Prem enjoyed an Intercultural Day with the G10 students from the Smart Intensive English program at Navamindarajudis Phayap School in Chiang Mai.

It was a wonderful day, with many of the students taking part in activities they had never tried before, and also making friends with people they had never met before!  A full day of watching young people offering a helping hand with activities, showing acts of kindness when some students looked a little lost, and watching friendships form that will hopefully continue. 

It was an absolute pleasure to be part of this day and we do hope that it will be an annual event here at Prem.

Linda Buck
Director of Boarding

Prem’s ARThailand programme collaborates as an International Centre for Innovation and Creativity

The recent ISTA Environmental Symposium Festival at Prem, in collaboration with our Artist Residency Thailand program, marked a significant milestone in being the first event under our new status as an ‘International Centre for Innovation and Creativity’. With five international schools from around the world taking place, the event was a unique convergence of environmental awareness and artistic expression, where participants engaged in a variety of activities centred around "Disruptions and Emerging Transformations," as inspired by the UNESCO report on reimagining futures together.

The Artist Residency Thailand program at Prem, now recognized as one of the three global centres for innovation and creativity, played a pivotal role in this festival. This was the program's first partnership project in this new collaboration, showcasing our commitment to fostering a supportive and inspiring environment for creativity and educational development.

Through this collaboration, all participating schools were afforded invaluable opportunities to engage with renowned artists and experts, developing critical thinking skills and approaches to creative expression. The program’s focus on integrating creativity into education aligns perfectly with the festival's themes, helping to cultivate a deeper understanding of environmental issues and their impact on our world.

This successful partnership and the festival's outcomes demonstrate our ongoing dedication to maintaining a rich cultural hub where creativity and environmental consciousness are celebrated and interwoven into the educational fabric.

The festival culminated in an incredible final ensemble performance that was nothing short of a creative triumph. This sharing celebration was a seamless blend of verbatim and physical theatre, showcasing the profound insights of young minds into the pressing global issues facing us today. The result was a powerful, emotive experience that not only highlighted the pressing concerns of our time but also left the audience with a resonating message of hope. 

This partnership and the festival underscore the essential role that creativity and arts play in shaping a holistic and forward-thinking educational experience, staying true to the Prem’s foundational values of academic excellence, community engagement, and experiential learning. Below are some thoughts and feedback from Prem students who took part in the event:

Sienna: I think ISTA was a great experience! It meant I was able to create theatre with people from different countries with different knowledge and combine thoughts to make a great performance. It really got me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to show my creative side. 

Edem: Looking at the environment and exploring it through theatre can help people learn and help each other to create a better life. ISTA isn't just about theatre but how to create change and learn new ideas.

Briana: The ISTA festival doesn’t just revolve around performing theatre, it’s more about learning to use performance as a way to communicate global issues to the world. My ISTA experience taught me many valuable lessons and techniques that will not only help me in theatre but in the IBDP next year.

Alex Soulsby
Creative Director

College and Career Planning at Prem: Navigating the Path to Success

As January draws to a close, marking a significant milestone for our Grade 12 students, many have already received admission offers from universities worldwide. Offers come from countries like Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Thailand, and they cover a wide range of career paths such as agriculture, commerce, the arts, hospitality, aviation, engineering, business, and finance. These accomplishments are especially remarkable because the students have effectively navigated the difficulties of crafting compelling college applications while also juggling their school obligations, tackling challenging coursework, and engaging in a range of activities that boost their academic performance. Developing a strong college application requires careful attention to detail and a significant investment of time. This includes participating in interviews, writing essays, taking admissions tests, and obtaining recommendation letters. These tasks demand commitment and dedication. Several prestigious universities have sent out admission offers to our students this year, including Cornell University, the University of Toronto, Melbourne University, the University of St Andrews, Chiang Mai University International Program and many others. You can find the complete list on the College Office information boards and scrolling screen, which are regularly updated. These achievements are a clear reflection of the dedication and effort shown by our students during this challenging application period.

The College Office is dedicated to providing assistance and support to all members of the school community. In addition to guiding students through the application process, we actively participate in various initiatives, offering workshops and assistance to both parents and students across different grades. We are committed to supporting all students and families by providing the necessary support, guidance and documentation to help navigate the complexities of college and career planning. Keep an eye out for upcoming workshops and events that will provide valuable insights into the ever-changing world of careers and college admissions. By collaborating, we can help students gain a better understanding of the challenges of the college application process, preparing them for future opportunities and successes.

Dawn Parry
WS Careers and College Counsellor, SAT Coordinator 

Kozé Cafe Cup Sleeves

PTIS prides itself on the continuous learning and commitment that it demonstrates across campus to go above and beyond the ordinary standard of sustainability. As an IB Career-related Program Sustainable Management and Sustainable Leadership student, I wanted to reflect on aspects of the campus’ landscape like the Global Way with my own creativity in marketing and branding to raise awareness about a specific sustainable development goal (SDG). This SDG was “Life on Land” commonly referred to as SDG 15. I wanted to raise awareness about this to the PTIS community as the campus is home to diverse species of plants, animals and microorganisms that help the ecosystems here thrive. This, in turn, boosts our morale and outlook on the issues that life can throw at us.

As a student who works with the sustainably driven, student-led Kozé Cafe, I thought this would be a unique opportunity for me to create a product that could educate customers about my SDG. I chose to make paper cup sleeves that would be put on every drink sold by Kozé Cafe to maximise exposure. As I worked on this project, I communicated with my team members and local businesses to produce the sleeves. The making of these sleeves was a 5-step process, starting from the mind-mapping phase, all the way to the prototype approval and putting the sleeves into circulation at Kozé. Now Kozé Cafe has the sleeves on our paper cups and has helped raise awareness about SDG 15. In brief, this project was fun, interesting and quite eye-opening. A lot of my research has shown me how much of an impact humans can have on land and terrain, near and far. I enjoyed this product-making process as it allowed me to collaborate with different students that I had not imagined working with weeks before the start of this project.

Thadee Lombardo

IBCP G12 Student, Water House

PREM Junior Varsity Basketball Invitational: A Thrilling Weekend!

On Friday & Saturday, 19-20 January, PREM hosted our annual Junior Varsity (U16) Basketball Invitational Tournament as our Thailand Basketball community came together for two days of competition. Typically the PREM Panthers compete with other members of the Chiang Mai Athletics Conference (CMAC) but for this tournament we invited teams from Chiang Mai who are not members of CMAC, CMAC teams, teams from Chiang Rai, & teams from Bangkok to compete in our Boys & Girls divisions. It was a spirited tournament with 35 games played over two days on two courts. Ultimately it was a Girls team from Bangkok, King Mongkut International Demonstration School (KMIDS), and a Boys team from Chiang Mai, Ambassador Bilingual Academy, that won their respective championships. The tournament also featured skills competitions and was heavily supported by youth volunteers from PREM. Feedback from the tournament seemed to indicate the athletes loved the Smash Daddy's Burger's Food Tent, the skills competitions, and the amount of Basketball over the two days. We will take feedback on board, adjust where needed, and once again call our Thailand Basketball community together for the PREM JV Invitational again next year.

 Adam Copus 

Co-Athletics Director

Track and Field 

The CMAC Track & Field Meet at Prem and it was a stellar showcase of athleticism and sportsmanship! A huge shoutout to all the participating schools and the phenomenal students who brought their passion and energy to the competition. Your dedication made it a memorable event. Here's to the spirit of sports and camaraderie! 

Will Langston
Head Digital Media

Prem's TJ Fisher wins TGA Junior Golf in Lampang

Facing a challenging 54-hole match from the professional tees on a course spanning approximately 6,800 yards, TJ showcased remarkable skill and confidently drove the ball over 300 yards and adeptly adjusted his short game, opting for high flop shots to navigate the challenging greens.

TJ not only excels as one of our Elite senior school golfers but has also taken on the role of an assistant volunteer youth coach at the Prem Golf Centre. Collaborating with Coach Sid, he gives back to the program he once benefited from – the Junior School Golf Exploria program. The Junior School golfers greatly appreciate TJ sharing his competition experiences and witnessing his trademark long drives and chip-ins.

Coach Sid expressed his pleasure, stating, "It's a pleasure having TJ, both as a student and now as an assistant youth coach."

Let's extend our congratulations to TJ when you see him at school. His outstanding efforts and conduct on golf courses and in elite tournaments truly set him apart as one of Prem's finest golfers and athletes! Great work, TJ!

Will Langston
Head Digital Media

Please join us for our first PSC Parent Meet Up meeting of 2024. Tuesday, 6th February at 8:15 - 9:30 a.m. on the 2nd Floor of the Library. This month, we will focus on the topic of Wellbeing, looking at how our students, staff, and parents are supported and what we can do to improve the wellbeing of the community. PSC Meet Up is a monthly meeting for all of Prem Community. It is an opportunity to meet, discuss topics relating to school life, or ask questions. If you are a new parent, please come along to introduce yourself to the community and to meet your Grade/Cultural Ambassador. Feel free to submit any ideas, suggestions, or questions to pscscretary@ptis.ac.th by 2nd February. 

Step into the chilling world of 'The Woman in Black' a haunting theatrical experience that will send shivers down your spine. Adapted from Susan Hill's classic ghost story, this spine-tingling production follows the journey of Arthur Kipps, a young lawyer who is sent to settle the affairs of the recently deceased Alice Drablow. As he arrives at the desolate Eel Marsh House, Kipps soon realizes that the town harbors a dark secret, and the vengeful spectre of the Woman in Black is determined to unleash her malevolent power. With a gripping blend of suspense, mystery, and supernatural terror, 'The Woman in Black' takes audiences on a nerve-wracking exploration of the supernatural, leaving them on the edge of their seats until the final, bone-chilling moment. Brace yourself for a theatrical experience that will leave you questioning the boundary between the living and the dead.

The play cleverly utilises two actors to play all the roles.

Each night, in the tradition of repertory theatre, the cast of actors revolves as follows:

Thursday 8th: The Actor: Andreas Thorup   Kipps: Nicolai Thorup
Friday 9th: The Actor: David Mitterhoff   Kipps: Nicolai Thorup
Saturday 10th: The Actor: Nicolai Thorup   Kipps: David Mitterhoff

You can book tickets here: the-women-in-black-a-ghost-tale

This performance is not recommended for those under 12 or those with a nervous disposition, heart condition or in the advanced stages of pregnancy.

The performance lasts approximately 2 hours with a 15 minute interval.

Food is available before the show and at the interval.

We recommend you get to the venue between 6.45pm and 7.00pm to enjoy the hot food.