Dear Prem Community,
I hope everybody is doing well as we reach the end of the penultimate week of school. We have enjoyed so many closing school events: The Senior School concert was once again outstanding and included for the first time, students’ original compositions. Over the course of the afternoon it was extremely uplifting to see so much creativity on display. Some students worked individually, others composed short ensemble pieces. Congratulations to all students for their wonderful work and performances.
Congratulations too, to Prem Panthers, who finished top of the Chiang Mai Athletics Conference, having a superb year and dominating in many of the tournaments across a range of sports. I would like to thank all of the coaches for inspiring students to find new heights in their abilities this year; all of the students for their unstinting commitment to their teammates and regular, effective practice, and everybody who came to support these determined and very skillful young athletes.
Today’s Community News has some wonderful examples of student action with regard to Global Citizenship. The Grade 8 Language Acquisition Class described Global Citizenship, one of the key aspects of Prem’s Mission, as being:
“About recognizing that we're all connected, not just to our local communities but to the entire world. It's understanding how our actions can impact others far away and feeling responsible for making the planet better for everyone.”
Please read about their efforts to address two of the Sustainable Development Goals in a very thoughtful way, driven by local need. Please also read about the excellent work of the Prem Community FoodBank Team and see how many local schools and organisations they have helped this year. It is always so good to see so many of our students committed to helping others and making a difference. Thank you! I am sure parents, as well as teachers, play a big part in role-modelling community involvement and action. We thank the PSC for another year of super events, and are excited by the re-opening of the former Krapood Restaurant for the start of next academic year. This will provide another perfect community space to meet together, spend time as a family, and eat delicious food. Please see the article from Jorge Cordero, about the new venture of ‘La Factoria’.
Finally, we are glad to share with you the final Graduation Video which beautifully captures the day. Congratulations again to the Class of 2024, who have now collectively received $1.7 Million in scholarship offers (yes, you read that correctly!). We are all wishing you the very best of luck when results day comes round on July 7th!
So, do savour this week’s news - our students are continuing to do so much excellent work right up until the very last day of school!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend,
With very best wishes,
Rachel Keys M.A. (Oxon), M.Ed.
Head of School
6/15/2024
Looking back over the whole year of Prem Panthers Sports teams, games and tournaments, it has been fantastic to see so many Prem students, become 'Prem Panthers' and be part of one (or more) of our teams. How we judge success within the Prem Panthers is not necessarily in how many medals and trophies we win, but in how many students participate within the teams. This year Prem has put both girls and boys teams into every CMAC tournament (which only Prem and CMIS have done in CMAC), with many of our teams being able to field more than one team. There have been record numbers of Prem Panthers athletes this year and we are especially proud of how many girls have joined teams. In fact I will say it quietly (I don't want to offend the boys), but across the board the girls teams have been Prem's most successful. In addition to competing in CMAC our Prem Panthers athletes have taken part in our Prem Invitational tournaments (Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Golf, Tennis), taken part in other invitational tournaments around Chiang Mai and travelled to places such as Phuket and Hong Kong for football and ball hockey tournaments.
Although I said we do not necessarily judge success on the amount of medals and trophies we win, it is sometimes nice to celebrate this success. In nearly every CMAC tournament Prem took part in, Prem finished in one of the top four positions (Out of 11 schools) with a large majority of our teams coming home with medals. Prem also won six CMAC Championships, which is the most out of any CMAC school and many other individual awards in badminton, golf, chess, tennis, swimming, track and cross country. In fact when looking at all the CMAC schools, Prem has been the most successful in terms of Championships, top four finishes and participation. As the title suggests, it has been a golden year for Prem!
Within the Senior School it was also great to be able to celebrate this success at the Prem Panthers Sports Banquet, where there were prizes, speeches, presentations, awards and more. For the coaches it is great to be able to give something back to the students for their hard work. The sports banquet, Prem Panthers increased exposure on social media, Prem Panthers merchandise and increased support at our games is largely down to A. Adam and our MS and SS Athletic Councils (made up of students) who have worked tirelessly in increasing Prem Panthers exposure and brand. We want everybody in the Prem Community to feel like they are part of the Prem Panthers!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the coaches who coached within the Prem Panthers sports programme. Our coaches give up their time for free to make sure our student athletes are able to develop as a team and develop those traits we so admire, such as sportsmanship, commitment and resilience. Well done to all the Prem Panthers athletes, we really hope you enjoyed your experiences and want to take part in one of our teams next year. Finally, thanks to all the parents/guardians who not only supported their children and Prem at games, but also supported their children in joining teams. Being a Prem Panther is a team effort!
We are hoping to carry on where we left off next year and are looking forward to even more success. In addition to CMAC we also have plenty more opportunities for success within the new MRISA conference we have joined (Mekong River International School Association), please see the email sent out for more details.
Let's Go Prem Panthers!
Lee Stevens
Assistant Head of School
6/15/2024
6/15/2024
Our Grade 2 students have been enthusiastically diving into their interests during Genius Hour, a dedicated time each week where they explore topics of their choice. Each student carefully crafts a research project by designing three questions around a topic that captivates them. These budding researchers then complete their investigations in their Genius Hour notebooks, meticulously citing their sources.
This process not only sharpens their research skills but also enhances their communication and public speaking abilities. After completing their research, students create presentations to share their findings with the class. Through these presentations, they practise delivering information clearly and confidently, an essential skill for their academic and personal growth.
One of the standout features of our Genius Hour is the feedback process. Students learn to give and receive constructive feedback positively, using the "two stars and a wish" method. This approach encourages them to highlight two aspects they enjoyed about a peer's presentation and offer one suggestion for improvement. This practice fosters a supportive classroom environment where everyone is committed to helping each other improve.
The range of interests in our class has led to an exciting and diverse array of presentations. We’ve been enlightened by projects on music, language, DNA, cells, and seeds, among many others. Each topic brings new knowledge and perspectives to our classroom, making our Genius Hour sessions a highlight of the week.
The students' enthusiasm and dedication to their projects are truly inspiring. It’s wonderful to see them take ownership of their learning, delve deeply into subjects they are passionate about, and develop essential life skills in the process. Our Grade 2 class is not only learning about the world around them but also growing as confident and capable individuals.
Grace Gedrich
Grade 2 Teacher
Our Junior School Swim Carnival was a delightful showcase of swimming talents and water confidence, featuring traditional stroke races and fun team events for students from EY3 to Grade 5. Parents watched enthusiastically from the stands as each group participated. The carnival provided an excellent opportunity for students to take risks, demonstrate their swimming progress, and earn house points in a supportive and spirited environment. We appreciate your participation and support in making this event a memorable success!
Sam Brigstock-Barron
Junior School HPE Coordinator
Prem FC coach
6/15/2024
Prem had the honour of sending twenty-four talented students from Years 5-11 to the World Scholar's Cup Regional Round, held at Panyaden International School in Chiang Mai on the 7th and 8th of June. During this prestigious competition, our students showcased their academic prowess across four challenging events: team debate, collaborative writing, scholar's challenge, and the bowl. They performed remarkably well in each category, earning seven trophies and countless gold and silver medals. The senior division clinched the championship for the second year in a row. Their outstanding achievements have secured all eight teams a spot in the Global Round, scheduled to be held in Bangkok between August and September. Teachers Ambika and Chris, along with our Year 6 parent representative, Ms. Christina, were part of this event as supervisors.
Dr. Ambika Subrahmanya
DP Business & Economics Teacher
In the final term of this year, our 11 Diploma Programme Geography students conducted research in the tourist area of Chiang Mai, measuring economic, environmental, and social changes. This research not only prepares them for future fieldwork projects but also helps them gain a deeper understanding of the community we live in. The students focused on the sustainability of tourism in the Tae Phae area, exploring ways to make practices more sustainable. They spent an entire day covering approximately 4 km of a transect, gathering valuable data.
Jeff Lowman
DP Geography and Theory of Knowledge
In Unit 4, Grade 6 students learned through fun activities with Thai children's games, including a bamboo copter (Jan Bin), a horse toy made of the banana midrib (Ma Gan Gluay), Thai pebbles tossing and picking (Mak Gep), and Hopscotch (Tung Tae). In addition to learning about history, Thai way of life, and local wisdom, students also had the opportunity to apply their creative skills to create toys with recycled materials by themselves. Besides learning through doing, students spent quality time together through playing and building good relationships among friends.
Natayathon Intarakumhang (Jang)
Senior School Thai Teacher
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in and watched the Creativity in Action Senior School Performance! Your support and enthusiasm made the event a resounding success.
This year's performance showcased our new framework, with a special focus on creativity and original compositions. Our talented students amazed us all with their imaginative performances and the stunning gallery walk, highlighting their exceptional artwork and projects. A huge shoutout to our incredible students for their hard work and dedication, bringing creativity to life on stage and beyond. We couldn't be prouder of your achievements!
Thank you for celebrating the arts with us and for being part of our vibrant community. We can't wait to see you at our next event!
Will Langston
Head Digital Media
Let's Save Lives this Summer! I am a senior school student and would like to share this event. Prem hosted the Thai Red Cross last December. It was a great success.
School will be out for the summer and I would like to invite everyone to attend this blood donation event at the Chiang Mai Red Cross in the Old City. Join us for a complimentary lunch afterwards to celebrate! It is on Saturday, 29 June from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
All blood types are needed and used. However, our contribution is vital given our large Western community. The Rh negative blood type is extremely rare in Thailand, but it is relatively common in the Western population.
Address:196 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand. Or Google "Chiang Mai Red Cross"
Parking Available
Feel Great for Helping
Give the Gift of Life
Age 17 - 70. First-time Donors in Thailand must be under 60. Age 17 needs parental permission.
No alcohol 24 hours prior
Eat a healthy snack or meal at least 4 hours prior. Avoid high fat. Don't show up on an empty stomach.
No alcohol 24 hours prior
Drink Plenty of water
Bring ID
Any questions? Please contact me at sophiamu@ptis.ac.th
I hope to see you there!
Sophia Munoz
Grade 10
Hi, we are the G8 English language acquisition phase 4/5 class. This semester, we worked on a unit called Global Citizenship, and to end our unit, we worked on the 5 stages of Service Learning and decided to raise funds to donate pet food for the Wat Umong temple. But what is global citizenship? Global citizenship is about recognizing that we're all connected, not just to our local communities but to the entire world. It's understanding how our actions can impact others far away and feeling responsible for making the planet better for everyone.
Once we identified the Sustainable Development Goals we wanted to work on, we found a temple and contacted it to see if we could help them and what type of help they needed. Our SDG goals are Zero Hunger and Life on Land, as we thought they fit with what we wanted to do. Our goal was to raise funds and gather supplies for homeless pets.
For this, we Joined the Prem car boot sale on Saturday, 8 June to sell second-hand clothes and drinks. We were successful and raised a little over 11,000 Bahts. We want to thank you all for helping us to achieve our goal. Your donations directly benefit the animals in need. On Monday, 10 June, we went to hand our donation to the temple. We had bought 8000 Bahts worth of pet food, and we gave the rest in cash to the head monk. It was a fantastic experience that showed us that working to help others can be fun.
The Grade 8 English Language Acquisition Phase 4/5 class
6/15/2024
We are incredibly proud of our 2024 graduates! Your hard work, dedication, and achievements have been truly inspiring. At Prem, we engage our students in joyful, personalized, and meaningful learning driven by all four International Baccalaureate Programmes.
Above all, we believe in nurturing creativity, compassion, integrity, open-mindedness, and good thinking. As you embark on your next adventure, carry these values with you and continue to shine brightly. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
I am happy to share the heartwarming efforts of the Food Bank, led by Coco and her dedicated team, who have been working on community service initiatives since the beginning of the year. Moreover,a heartfelt thank you goes out to all the student Food Bank members who have generously devoted their time and energy to fundraising and organising donation trips. Here is a summary of the events we have accomplished together:
Mae Ann Village Donation
Our first donation trip took us to Mae Ann Village, located next to Prem. Food Bank members organised games to play with the local children, creating joyful moments despite the frequent need for English-Thai translation.;) We had a very fun time together. Prem Students and Prem parents also donated books and clothes, which were warmly received by the children. The kids expressed their gratitude and said that they hope to see us again soon.
Baan Na Luang Local School in Prao
During our visit to Baan Na Luang, we were treated to a lovely Pattaya Dance performance by the students and given a tour of their school. The Prem Food Bank team donated books to their library, which previously housed only outdated materials not suited for the students' ages. The children and teachers were delighted to receive colourful new books in both English and Thai.;) We enjoyed playing games together and shared a meal from Prem's Lunch Pack, making it a memorable day for everyone involved.
Baan Mae Ka Piang, Mae Rim Donation
On this trip, we donated food and essential items to the elderly ethnic group in Baan Mae Ka Piang. The support we provided was much appreciated by the community.
Vieng Ping Foundation
We visited the Vieng Ping Foundation, where we donated food and necessary items for the orphaned children. Our contribution aimed to support their daily needs and well-being.
Bann Pa Tiew Local Thai School in Mae Rim
At Bann Pa Tiew School, we donated books, including the inspiring "My Body My Rules" by Miss Thailand Sirinya. The students and staff were excited to receive these valuable resources, which will help educate and empower the children.
We are proud of the positive impact these initiatives have had on our local communities and look forward to continuing our efforts. Thank you once again to everyone who has supported and participated in these meaningful activities. Together, we are making a difference.
Suchaya Santivarakom (Ni)
Food Bank Supervisor
Greetings from Jorge Cordero, the chef and owner behind ‘La Factoria’, the newest culinary venture situated in Old Krapood. It's with great pleasure and anticipation that I introduce myself to you. My family and I relocated to Chiang Mai just last August, drawn by the charm of this vibrant community. My wife, Alicia, a teacher at Prem, and my children, Alba and Candela, who are Prem students, are thrilled to be part of such a wonderful community.
Before our arrival here, we spent twelve incredible years in Beijing, China, where ‘La Factoria’ was born. I'm thrilled to embark on this new chapter, bringing La Factoria to you, adding a taste of the Mediterranean to our amazing community.
‘La Factoria’ isn't just another restaurant; it's aiming to be a hub for connection, relaxation, and, of course, exceptional cuisine. Our vision is to create a space where community members like you can come together, savouring both the flavours of our dishes and the beautiful views of our campus. Your presence and support are integral to our journey.
As I continue working on every aspect of having the restaurant completely operational, it will take some time until we can welcome you in person. This will hopefully happen after the summer holiday and while I prepare for our opening, I am excited to announce that I am providing delivery service to the Prem Community.
For your enjoyment, I am offering handmade fresh pasta with an assortment of flavorful sauces, alongside pizzas, sourdough bread, focaccias, Spanish omelette and more! I am also working tirelessly to add more dishes to the menu, featuring tempting tapas and classic paellas in the future.
If you are curious to learn more or eager to place an order, please scan the Line QR code and stay tuned for more.
Thank you for your warm welcome and support. I can't wait to serve you soon,
Jorge Cordero
Chef and Owner
La Factoria
6/15/2024
For the first time in two years, the entire boarding staff was able to go out and have dinner together. Obviously, like any family, we had to find babysitters - well, boarder sitters. We did very well and were very lucky to have faculty members Shaun, Jennifer, Noortje, and Will to cover for us while we went out to celebrate the end of a wonderful year.
The students had an amazing evening playing board games and table tennis. A puzzle was being put together and there were also many games of UNO being played. One of our grade 11 students, James, even DJ'd for the evening to add something special to extra fun atmosphere.
As for the boarding staff, we really had a lovely evening, enjoyed good food, a wonderful venue, and great company. We are so lucky to have such a strong boarding community. Obviously, we do not have much time to socialize together as a whole team on a day to day as there will always be people who are on duty; so this was an amazing opportunity. It was just like coming home when we returned later in the evening, and the younger students asked us why we went out without them!!
If you would like more information about our boarding facilities here at Prem, please do not hesitate to contact me at dirboarding@ptis.ac.th
Linda Buck
Director of Boarding
6/15/2024
For the last three weeks our final ARThailand guest of the year has been Chilean artist Camila Paz. Camila has been the catalyst for two unique and prolonged collaborations involving students from both grade 3 and grade 10, exploring identity and expression through large-scale, collaborative art-making with both groups.
Diving into our Grade 3’s “how we express ourselves" unit, the workshops facilitated by Camila have provided our young people a chance to delve into their creativity and learn directly from another excellent, real-world practitioner. Through these sessions, students have explored various artistic expressions and the role of art in developing collaboration skills and self-expression. This end result of two collective artworks is set to be a centerpiece at the upcoming sharing event at Prem scheduled for Grade 3 students and families on 19 June, from 8:15 to 9:00 a.m., on the second floor of Prem's library. Here, the artworks created collaboratively by the students under Camila's guidance will be displayed.
At the heart of the last three weeks has been a powerful lesson in collaboration. The process of creating art collectively with Camila with both our Junior and Senior school students serves as a practical lesson in acquiescence and in developing the ability to collaborate effectively. These skills are increasingly recognized as vital in our interconnected world and go hand in hand in helping to develop our young people as global citizens.
Alex Soulsby
Creative Director
On Tuesday, our G10 students took to the stage in a gripping and educational verbatim play, commissioned by the parents of Dan Spargo-Mabbs. Their performance served as a stark reminder of the consequences of drug use, leaving a lasting impact on everyone in the audience. Kudos to our talented students for their powerful portrayal and to the Spargo-Mabbs family for their important message.
On Monday, 10 June, our Grade 6 Performing Arts class took to the stage for their final summative performances. In front of an audience of parents, Grade 4 and Grade 10 students, IEP students, and staff, they showcased the culmination of their hard work and outstanding collaboration. This included many after-school and weekend rehearsals, as well as making props and costumes, all done beyond the requirements for their assessment. They exceeded expectations by creating performances aimed at educating their Grade 4 audience on climate change, sustainability, and caring for the planet. Their performances not only achieved this but also brought joy and laughter to the audience, demonstrating their ability to entertain and engage everyone who came to watch. We are so proud of their commitment as risk-takers who truly embodied the IB philosophy throughout this unit of study. A huge thank you to Teacher Claire and Teacher Aum for their guidance and support. Well done, everyone!
6/15/2024
Volunteers are people with huge hearts; our Ambassadors are no exception. Last week, we once again held an Appreciation Lunch to thank the people who help support our parents in a myriad of ways, giving their time, energy, and creativity. Please join me in giving a special thanks to your Grade and/or Cultural Ambassadors. If you see them on Campus this week, please let them know how much they are appreciated.
Thanks also goes to Jorge from La Factoria (old Krapood) behind our Tennis Courts. Jorge prepared a customised 3-course lunch for our team. Please, contact him for information about his delicious menu, hours, and details about the restaurant opening in the new year: +66 (0)614273412
The main focus of the PSC is to support and help build a strong, caring Prem Community and to enrich the education experience of all our children.
A thank you to all for your support this academic year!
Have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Leigh-Jane Obermayer
PSC Chair/Coordinator
Come join us for First Day Coffee! All parents are welcome. Let's give our new families a big warm welcome by coming together to meet other parents from your child's grade. Coffee and a light breakfast will be served in the Cafeteria on campus. Monday, 19 August 2024 8:15 - 9:30 a.m. Prem Cafeteria See you there!
PSC Team
6/15/2024
We have a heartfelt message to share about a member of our extended family. It has been brought to our attention that there is a house for sale located across the street from Prem, making it an ideal investment for families with children attending or planning to attend Prem. It offers the convenience of being within easy walking distance to our school.
The house was originally listed for 11.8 million baht but has now been reduced to 7.5 million baht for an urgent sale, due to family financial reasons. The house is brand new and has never been lived in.
If you or anyone you know might be interested in purchasing this property, please keep this information in mind. Scan the LINE code for additional information. Your support could make a significant difference for a family during this difficult time.
6/15/2024