Head of School Message

Dear Prem Community, 

I hope you have all had a good couple of weeks. In this week’s Community News, you will see some of our Graduation photos, which provide beautiful snapshots of the wonderful celebration for our Class of 2024, now Prem alumni! I can only imagine the pride of parents and family as they watched their children process through the auditorium for the last time, and receive their Prem Diplomas from our Founder, Mom Tri. The students were absolutely glowing, with the full magnitude of their achievement visibly radiating.

As our Prem Role Model this year we were honoured to host Professor Emeritus Vitit Muntarbhorn, an esteemed academic, and distinguished human rights advocate. He is now Professor of Law at Chulalongkorn University but has also worked extensively with the United  Nations. In 2004 he won the UNESCO Human Rights Education Prize and was awarded a  Knighthood in 2018. Professor Vitit spoke to the Class of 2024 about some of the significant challenges they will face, particularly in the areas of the environment and technology. He urged them all to face them with a critical mind, but also a very open heart. Just as General Prem reminds us: young people should leave school with ‘good thinking’, not just be good at thinking. And I do believe that is very true of not only those that leave us this year, but also of the greater majority of students at Prem. 

Both of these critically important  thinking skills were once again boldly in evidence this week in the Junior School, with the Grade 5 Personal Project Exhibition. It was so good to see the research skills and analytical thinking that students had brought to their personal topics. A common theme that ran through many of the projects was wellbeing, and students examined various areas of their life, some of which had a very positive effect on their wellbeing and others, less so. It was a pleasure to read about the joys of the Arts on positive mental health, and all of the many topics that students had chosen to explore. As I heard them talking about their work at the PYP introduction ceremony, I could see that they are so ready for their transition to Grade 6 and the MYP. We look forward to celebrating our Junior School graduates on Tuesday 18th June and our Early Years students on Friday 21st June. 

I hope you enjoy the articles this week - it has been a joyful couple of weeks, with just three more to go before we finish up our Academic Year 2024-25 with great style and panache!

With very best wishes,

Rachel Keys M.A. (Oxon), M.Ed.
Head of School

Celebrating Excellence: Recognising the Class of 2024's Achievements 

As we prepare for graduation on Friday, we are delighted to recognise the Class of 2024's outstanding accomplishments. It is wonderful to watch these students' incredible journeys come to fruition after working closely with many of them for several years.

The graduating class of this year has demonstrated excellence, diversity, and tenacity; they have received offers from universities and have excellent career prospects available to them all over the world. Numerous prestigious universities, including those in the US, Australia, the UK, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Thailand, Korea, and New Zealand, have accepted our graduates because of their academic excellence and openness to new experiences and cultures.

A wide range of passions and interests, including business, law, engineering, the arts, sports, sciences, and music, have driven our graduates to succeed. Each student will be able to forge their own route to both professional and personal success thanks to the wide variety of career paths available. Furthermore, while some of our graduates will enter the workforce immediately, others will take a year off to pursue other opportunities, such as internships. It is also worth noting that our graduates have received financial aid and scholarships totaling more than 1.6 million USD this academic year, with more expected. Their academic achievements and belief in their future success are highlighted in this noteworthy endorsement by universities around the world.

At the heart of our students’ success is the unwavering support of our entire school community. While our dedicated teachers and counsellors have been instrumental in guiding and encouraging our students, it's essential to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of families, boarding staff, and the broader support services within Prem. Together, every member of our community plays a vital role in helping students overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. Through collaborative efforts, our school community empowers our graduates to pursue their goals with confidence and seize opportunities for success.

As we prepare to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024 at the upcoming graduation ceremony, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this journey. Your dedication, support, and unwavering commitment have helped shape a bright future for the Class of 2024, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments. Here's to the next chapter and the limitless possibilities that await!

Dawn Parry
WS Careers and College Counsellor

PYP Exhibition

On 28 May, the atmosphere at Prem School was full of excitement and nervousness as the Grade 5 students proudly presented their PYP Exhibition, the culminating event of their Primary Years Programme (PYP) journey. This annual exhibition showcased the students' growth as inquirers, thinkers, and communicators, highlighting their learning and achievements.

The day began with a wonderful poetry performance by the Grade 5 students. Their short poems were rich and insightful providing a glimpse into the diverse topics explored in the PYP Exhibition process.

As visitors moved from exhibit to exhibit, they were impressed by the students' confidence and knowledge. Engaging with visitors, the students answered questions in detail, demonstrating their grasp of their passions and their ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Each exhibit was inviting and informational, clearly reflecting the students' hard work and dedication.

The variety of topics covered in this year’s exhibition was truly impressive. Students tackled issues of mental health, explored the dynamics of sports, the Arts, baking, and the joys of gardening. They delved into the complexities of artificial intelligence, shared the benefits of healthy baking, examined the impact of video games and too much screen time, developed a love for nature and arthropods. Other inquiries investigated animal welfare, the impact of animals on our wellbeing, and how to keep safe in Air Pollution. Each topic was presented with enthusiasm and a depth of understanding that drew the audience in.

The PYP Exhibition was more than a showcase of projects; it was a celebration of learning, collaboration, and personal growth. The Grade 5 students demonstrated their ability to inquire deeply, think critically, and communicate their findings effectively. Their exhibits clearly demonstrated the transdisciplinary skills they have developed throughout their PYP journey.

Mary Ann Van De Weerd 
Deputy Junior School Principal 
PYP Coordinator

EY1 Field Trip to the Siam Insect Zoo Museum

On Monday, 27 May, the EY1 class had its first field trip to the Siam Insect Zoo Museum in Mae Rim. This trip was organised to align with the students’ interest in the characteristics of living things, a topic explored in our "Sharing the Planet'' unit. Their curiosity had been evident during walks to the Farm and Forest School.

The EY1 class departed from school at 8:30 a.m. Upon arrival at the museum, the children participated in an educational activity on the butterfly life cycle. They learned about it and had the opportunity to colour representations of each stage. The students toured the museum and observed various insects, including butterflies, beetles, mosquitoes, and geckos from different countries. 

The museum provided a tactile learning experience, allowing the children to touch and smell some animals at the museum. They interacted with live animals such as iguanas, tarantulas, and stick insects. The trip ended with EY1 having their snacks at the museum. When EY1 was asked about their favourite part of the trip, the students expressed their excitement about releasing butterflies into the butterfly farm and touching tarantulas.

Julia Simhony
Early Years 1 Teacher

Earth Day Extravaganza: Teacher Megan and Primary Years Teachers Lead Students in Celebrating and Protecting Our Planet

Earth Day celebration was a great success, thanks to the amazing organization led by teacher Megan and the creative learning experiences delivered by our teachers. Students from Early Years to grade 5, including those in the Intensive English Program, engaged in a variety of activities that fostered a deep appreciation for our planet.

This Earth Day celebration featured a diverse range of activities that engaged our students, provoked the students' critical thinking and sense of environmental responsibility. Students participated in sowing plants, scavenger hunts in nature, and collecting natural resources for creating beautiful artworks and Mandalas. Storytelling sessions encouraged critical thinking about the future of our Earth. Through these stories, students learned about the impact of human actions on the environment and the importance of sustainable living.

Students demonstrated their growing environmental awareness as they made connections between our daily actions and the health of our planet. They expressed that Earth Day is an important reminder for us reflect on how we treat our environment and that we must look after our Earth and protect it for future generations.

We hope the success of the Earth Day activities has left a lasting impression on our students, reinforcing the importance of our responsibility to take care of our planet.

As one student aptly put it, "We live on Earth, so we need to take care of it."

Mary Ann Van De Weerd 
Deputy Junior School Principal 
PYP Coordinator

Action is a Vital Component of Concept-Based Inquiry

In the Primary Years Program (PYP), action is a vital component of the concept-based inquiry cycle. Students don’t just learn; they apply their knowledge to make a meaningful difference in their communities. This is exemplified in the PYP Exhibition, the pinnacle of the PYP journey, where responsible and impactful action is not just encouraged—it’s paramount.

This year, our students have excelled in identifying issues, recognizing opportunities, and becoming experts, culminating in authentic, genuine, and meaningful actions that have made a significant impact on the Prem community and beyond. Here are some highlights:

• Charity Fundraising: Students raised and donated money to various charitable organisations, showing their commitment to giving back.

• Peer Education: Several students took the initiative to teach younger grade levels, sharing their knowledge and fostering a culture of learning and mentorship.

• Campus Improvements: From planting trees to enhancing our playground, students have actively contributed to making our campus greener and more enjoyable.

• Educational Websites: Harnessing the power of technology, students created websites to share valuable information with the community and beyond.

Below, we feature some standout examples from this year’s exhibition:

Elsie's Article on Gender Inequality in Sports

Elsie has written a compelling article that educates us about the persistent issue of gender inequality in sports. Her work not only highlights the disparities but also encourages us to think critically about how we can support equity in all aspects of our lives.

Viola and Erwin’s Music Promotion Website

Viola and Erwin have created an inspiring website to promote the incorporation of more music into our daily lives. Their platform provides resources, tips, and motivational content to help us all find joy and creativity through music.

Chinda and Jasper’s Website on AI

Chinda and Jasper have developed an insightful website that educates us all about the emerging technology of artificial intelligence. Their site also provides crucial tips on how to spot fake news, helping us navigate the digital age with a more discerning eye.

Ivy and Nydia’s Ballet Brochure

Ivy and Nydia have designed a beautiful brochure detailing where you can take ballet lessons in Chiang Mai. Their passion for dance shines through as they share this valuable resource with the community, encouraging others to explore the joy of ballet.

We hope these pieces of student work inspire you and ignite your passion for making a positive difference. Consider how you can support these issues and take action in your own lives to contribute to a better, more equitable world.

Elsie: 

“An issue connected to this inquiry is that many women are treated unfairly in sports. The action I took was to write an article about this issue and sharing it on the Community News”

Elsie’s Article

Viola and Erwin: 

“The action we took is to make a website that gives people recommendations of different types of music and where to learn or buy an instrument in Chiang Mai.” 

Website Link

Chinda and Jasper: 

“We took action by creating a website to teach people about AI and how to spot fake news and images.”

Website Link

Ivy and Nydia: 

“For our action, we made a brochure with different places you can go to learn ballet in Chiang Mai, to give people that want to learn ballet options of where they can go.” 

2024 Graduation

Their last first day is now a distant memory, the sun has set on their final day, and they toiled and studied and sweated over the final DP exams, the culmination of their time at Prem. The class of 2024 are now Prem graduates and their passing from students to alumni was marked in our graduation ceremony on 24 May , where we were able to celebrate the achievements of this class. 

It is customary to compare the journey through school to a more physical journey alluding to difficult road blocks and uphill trudges that the students have surmounted. With this may now be a cliche, it is important to remember that this class were impacted by covid in grade 8, and missed significant chunks of learning, instruction and crucial social engagement throughout grades 9 and 10, really formative years for the skills and knowledge needed for CP and DP success. That 44 students were able to stand on stage in caps and gowns, after such a disruption to their Middle Years, is an achievement. It’s an achievement that meant it wasn't only the parents that had some tears in their eyes as the class made their way to the stage for the ceremony. There were definitely some misty-eyed teachers as well. 

The event was attended by all of the Senior School students and teachers, and it is a significant community event for us all to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and for our younger students to see what they are aspiring to. The ceremony was opened by three of our students who have been at Prem since Junior School. Noa Gaysek, Samantha Hober and Viveka Marwah, spoke with gratitude and eloquence welcoming everyone to the event. Aj. Ambika was nominated by the Senior Class to address them at graduation, and she gave a heartfelt and personal speech where she identified the special qualities of each individual. The speeches were complemented with three accomplished and inspiring musical performances with Gabriel Castillo and Matthew Polaski playing beautiful piano pieces. Matthew’s performance was the first time he had ever performed publicly. Ruting Yu and Jiahan Sun sung for us for the final time, a bittersweet moment that underlined how much we will miss the musical talents of the group. Sonam Choney and Thadee Lombardo were nominated by the class to give the student address.

Along with Aj. Rachel and Shaun’s speeches, our role model, Dr. Vitit Munthanbhorn addressed the audience and the graduates in a lively and entertaining manner, which our Seniors enjoyed. He spoke of the need to be adaptable in our changing world, and of the importance of sustainability and digital literacy. 

Before the conferring of the graduate diplomas, the following awards were presented. The academic award was awarded to Gabriel Castillo who has maintained the highest Grade Point Average over the years. The Athletics award, selected by the Athletics Director, went to our excellent athletes Kauani George and Amelie Van Lieshout. The Senior School Arts Department selected the student for the Arts award, and this year Claire Kim was acknowledged for her contribution to Visual Arts, both at Prem, but also in the wider community as she has already had an art exhibition in Chiangmai and Bangkok. The Global Citizenship Award was given to Sonam Choki Lhamo, for embracing the qualities of a global citizen, and the Daniel Wilms Memorial award for a student who strongly represents their own country while embracing intercultural awareness and internationalism was given to Sonam Choney Droelma. 

Following the formal graduation ceremony, there was a meal for graduates, families, friends and teachers at the Shangri-La hotel in Chiangmai. This celebratory event was a meaningful way to say goodbye to the class of 2024. 

Abbie Neall
IB Diploma Coordinator 
MYP and DP English Language and Literature Teacher
MA English Literature

PROM May 2024

This year Prem students from Grades 9 - 12 enjoyed a night of fun and mystery at the 2024 Prom! Graciously hosted by Chiang Mai's Shangri-La Hotel, the Masquerade-themed party provided a fun night of music and dancing for students and staff alike. Everyone was dressed to impress, looking exceptional in their formal wear.

Students chose their own theme for the party by voting a month prior to the event, ensuring that everyone's voice was heard and decisions were made democratically. The event was made only more special by the amazing food and drink featuring a full buffet provided by the Shangri-La, along with a beautiful venue and handpicked songs mixed and played by our very own DJ: Teacher Mark. 

A photo booth printing physical photos to take home as mementos was a massive highlight for all involved. This year's Prom was a huge success, and following the event feedback has been taken to make next year's Prom even better. See you next year!

Andreas Thorup and Pat Arjpothi 
Student Council Co-Presidents

Hotpot Writing Workshop With Grade 7

In Grade 7 English B this week, we were lucky to have teachers Sam and Jennifer join us for a fun and creative workshop on sentence writing! We looked at writing simple and complex sentences as if we were creating a delicious bowl of noodles with all of the necessary ingredients to make them full. We used chopsticks and spoons to represent the different aspects of writing sentences such as commas and conjunctions to make the experience more engaging, exciting, and hands on for our students. We are looking forward to applying this learning to our future writing and learning!

Alec Wright
Individuals & Societies, Mathematics, Lang B Teacher 
MUN Supervisor 

Celebrating the reopening of the Michael Cumes Climbing Wall, honoring Michael's legacy and welcoming our newly certified climbing instructors 

On Friday, 17 May 2024, the Traidhos Three-Generation Community for Learning and Prem International School gathered for the reopening of the Michael Cumes Climbing Wall. This special event, led by Lynda Rolph, Head of Community, honored the memory of Michael Cumes, former Head of Visiting Schools Programme, with a heartfelt speech and a name-revealing ceremony. We proudly celebrated our six Visiting Schools Programme staff members who recently became certified climbing wall instructors, showcasing their expertise to the entire management team and colleagues. It was also a touching moment for the Cumes family, as Michael’s wife and children, cherished members of our Traidhos and Prem International School community, joined us for the occasion.

Visiting Schools Programme

Congratulations to Floor in Grade 3 for naming our two new baby goats, Cotton and Candy!

Born on the 11 April at the Traidhos Three-Generation Farm, Cotton and Candy are the newest members of our farm family. Our farm offers a hands-on learning experience where students connect and engage with the natural world and learn about sustainable agriculture. They participate in enlivening activities like planting, harvesting, and tending to animals, fostering responsibility and understanding where their food comes from. 

Welcome, Cotton and Candy! We can't wait to see you grow! Big thanks to everyone who contributed name ideas!

Will Langston
Head Digital Media

Weekend in Boarding

The boarding weekend started on Friday night with a trip to the Chiang Mai University Night Market, one of the boarders' favourite activities. The boarding staff accompanied the students who signed up for this event, allowing them to enjoy local street food and shopping in the university area. This gave them a taste of teenage hangout culture, with its affordable, trendy fashion and delicious street food. Saturday was an exciting day for the Senior boarders as they prepared for prom night. Some students who were not going to Prom chose to go to the mall for movies and grocery shopping with the boarding staff. Sunday was a peaceful and relaxing day. In the evening, the students followed their routine of cleaning their rooms, emptying trash bins, and getting ready for school on Monday. This calm and structured end to the weekend helped ensure that everyone was prepared for the week ahead. 

Renuka Suayan (Noina)
Thai teacher / Boarding Parent

All the way to the top!

Congratulations to Denise Bevan who has successfully completed the ABRSM Grade 7 Cello practical examination. Studying through the Music Academy and with our outstanding cello teaching A. Mine, Denise has had a wonderful time learning new music for the examination as well as performing in recent school concerts.

One more step to go for Grade 8. We wish you well on your continued musical journey. Parents and staff are most welcome to join our Music Academy program. If you would like to know more, or set up a free trial lesson please contact: dirmusic@ptis.ac.th

Chris Johnson
Director Music Academy

PSC MeetUp - June 2024

Please join us for our last PSC Meeting, "Meet Up" for this Academic Year (AY). This month our focus is on reviewing highlights, main activities, and PSC support from this Academic Year. Please feel free to attend in person to provide feedback on how we can help the school and PSC improve on these activities and support. Additionally, if you would like to send your comments, suggestions, or questions, please email PSCSecretary@ptis.ac.th before 2 June 2024. We look forward to seeing you in person and hearing from you via email or through your Grade or Cultural Ambassador.

Leigh-Jane Obermayer
PSC Chair

PSC Car Boot Sale On Campus

Don't miss this annual event for your life or limb,
Many Items to be bought and not thrown in the bin.

Cheaply priced goods, that cost little cash,
Come to Prem early to avoid the mad dash.

Sell, buy, eat and have fun,
And simply donate when the day is done.

Register yourself if you'd like a table,
We'll help you sell items if you aren't able.

To just look around the admission is free,
Don't forget - next Saturday, kindly yours

PSC Team

Language & Cultural Buddy

I signed up to participate in the Language and Cultural Buddy Program. I was buddied with a girl named Natalie who is in Grade 7 IEP.

I arrived at Natalie’s house, we introduced ourselves, sat down, and played a few board games. During the games, we started thinking about how we could improve our Mandarin and English. Natalie found a Dr. Seuss book called “Green Eggs and Ham” which was in both English and Chinese “绿鸡蛋和火腿”. Natalie and I spent the time reading this book. She read it to me in Mandarin and I repeated it, then I spoke the English version and Natalie repeated it until we finished the whole book.

We ended our first playdate with English and Chinese Tongue Twisters. The English one I recited for Natalie to learn:

She sells seashells on the seashore

The shells that she sells are seashells for sure.

The following week, Natalie came to our house and we baked Brownies and she introduced me to the Chinese version of TikTok - I had no idea! We have now completed 3 Language playdates and our fathers have become friends too and learned they have a lot in common.

If you would like to join the Language & Cultural Buddy Programme, please contact the PSC for more details. Information can be found in the Community Handbook here https://sites.google.com/ptis.ac.th/premcommunityhandbookonline?usp=sharing

Alani Obermayer 
Grade 6

Panther’s Banquet (17 MAY, 2024) 

On Friday 17 May we brought a scaled-up Senior School Panthers Banquet back to Prem with a night of awards, gratitude, prizes, & fun in the Gym. It was a large-scale collaborative effort between the Athletics Council students, Health and Physical Education department, Grades 6-10 Middle Year Programme Service classes, Grade 1W, Prem Marketing Team, Parent School Community, AVG (Audio/Visual Club), school cafeteria, & logistics teams. I'm not sure I've ever been involved in an event that had so many people playing key roles in making the event happen. It was a pleasure to see it all come together from ideation, to planning, marketing, setup and decoration, through to the final trophy handed out Friday night. The only remaining stage will be the Athletic Council wrap-up reflection meeting and suggestions to improve for next year. I would like to especially thank Coach Phil for his keynote address, "A Passion For Sports." Congratulations to all the award winners. 


Adam Copus
Co-Athletic Director

The Prem Golf Centre Presented The Annual Prem Invitational Golf Tournament '24! 

Check out our video and pictures showcasing this amazing event where students, teachers, and parents united and bonded over a game of golf. Great swings, engaging conversations, and friendly banter were all at play. We look forward to seeing you at the next one!

Sid Nag
Director Golf Academy & Boarding Parents