SENIOR LEADERSH IP TEAM FOREWO RD
Dear Panaga School Community,
It is such a privilege to lead and support such a talented team of teachers, LSAs and administrative staff who are the 'magic weavers' that provide such a caring and safe environment, coupled with creative and rigorous learning opportunities for the children.
If our staff are the 'magic weavers', then the children are the 'budding stars' whose energy, kindness and desire to be open to new challenges and experiences makes Panaga School such a joy to work at.
Outstanding schools are built on strong relationships. The support we receive from parents and the wider community allows us to continually explore ways in which we can develop our school and enrich the lives of the children.
At this time of the year, we are always reflecting on the past 10 months and this yearbook certainly brings back magical memories; we do hope you enjoy perusing through these pages and you remember not only the learning, the excitement and the challenges but most importantly, the people that surrounded, supported and helped the children on their journey.
There will be three members of the SLT that will be leaving this year and they have certainly played their part in contributing to the continued development of the school and the care of the children. Thank you Ms. Aimee, Ms. Mandy and Ms. Donna, who always put the children first and do so in such a nurturing manner; they are the epitome of our school's personal qualities. Our warmest wishes and gratitude go to our 'magic weavers' and 'budding stars' that will also be leaving our very special community.
Our hope is that everyone will open this yearbook, one day in the distant future, and it will bring back fond memories of our very special school.
- Panaga School Senior Leadership Team
PANAGA SCHOOL SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM (Le� to Right)
Aimee Boase (Deputy Principal Teraja)
Tamsin Harris (Deputy Principal Cross-Campus)
Brian Platts (Principal)
Donna Bonham-Russell (Deputy Principal Mendaram/Rampayoh)
Mandy Russell (Deputy Principal Melilas)
The Bumblebee Class are inspired by real-life heroes in their play.
Orla Mahikha Benjamin
Miss Siew Sung, Miss Norain, Miss Laila, Miss Shelagh, Miss Solma
Aurelia, Advait, Keira
Isha, Layla, Theo, Hobie Jake, Emma, Yiyang, Kiaan
Mira, Julia, Catarina
Mia, Afwan, Eyden, Shanaya
Miss Cecelia, Miss Louise, Miss Dee, Miss Liza
This is how we learn, play and grow together!
Kamsi Olivia Gobind
Santiago Caleb
Harper Cillian Eddy
Miss Alex
Sam Thomas Miss Irah
Miss Sarah
Thank you Turtles and Pangolins for the amazing year!
Together,
Science experiment to see how plants ‘drink’ water.
‘Making equal groups’ in Maths.
Tricky word snakes and ladders during reading club.
Together, improving learning
Mr Kane Miss Khairina
Lucas
Nolan Kriday Rodion
Nia
Ibrahim
Mia
Atharv
Dharini
Afiy
David
Who are my trusted adults? sequence
Year 2 DE
Mr. Adam
Reception: A Roaring Start to the Stage!
The Reception children had an amazing school year in the performing arts! They started off learning fun songs and games that fostered cooperation. And let’s not forget their show-stopping shark hats—handmade with pride—worn at a fin-tastic singing performance at assembly that had the whole Rampayoh cheering. Their journey was full of flair as they mastered a vibrant dance routine to Katy Perry’s ROAR, filling the hall with their fearless spirit for the End of Year Rampayoh production. We are well on our way to being life-long performers!
Pe rf ormi n g A r
Pe rf ormi n g A r
Year 1 & 2: Musical Theatre Maestros!
Year 1 dazzled in The Toy Shop, a delightful performance where they transformed into toys and curious customers, charming the audience with their imagination and humor. But the fun didn’t stop there. These young stars became a majestic choir for the grand musical finale of the year at Rampayoh.
Year 2 took their drama skills to dazzling new heights this year as they stepped confidently into the world of The Princess and the Pea. Before the curtain rose, these young performers immersed themselves in the art of acting, learning to express emotions, use their voices and truly become characters.
Salmah
Together, improving learning
Aaron Gianfranco
Elena Evan Edward
Anna
Alicia Mila Alisher
Ariq
Chloe
Max
Misha
Noah
Nathan
Qiyara
Roos Youssef
Samriddha
Ms Kim
Ms Suzi
3A have been scientists, doctors, bakers, artists, poets, mathematicians and so much more! From making our own chocolate to listening to our heartbeats, enacting the digestive system, to creating artefacts and digging for fossils. We have experienced new learning and consolidated previous knowledge.
We learnt a lot of new skills this year in IPC: measuring, investigating, fair testing, analyzing, researching and best of all TASTING!
Together, improving learning
Thaarun
Willow
Jayden
Jordan
Catalina
Reggie
Keanu
Noah
Leo
Eleanor
Adam
Marcella
Alex
Emma
David Lucia
Sofia
Miss Fiqah
Miss Angela
Miss Abby
Miss Azira
Together,
Yann Hin
Samiksh Wre
Hareem
Jes liam Herma Hoo Hayde Rya Khal Kenn
Miss Cind Miss Jo nif
Good vibes and better teamwork!
Maths + Teamwork = Success! What a challenge, what a day!
As History Investigators, we explored the civilizations of the Maya, Beni, and the Islamic Golden Age during CE900.
We use enquiry skills to find out about weather and climate. and brave heroes— Year 5 writes fear-filled adventures!
Our CE900 exit point took us beyond the classroom, exploring the rich history of Brunei at the Brunei History Centre.
Poovitha David Amanda Abby
Eauan
Prinal Max
Elnathan Harini Advait Meimei
Nylah
Branton
Amandha Leonore Liam
Miss Nurul
Mr. Steven
• Adaptability shone through as the children tinkered with their engineering projects.
•
The children showed incredible resilience while constructing their hydropower kits.
Creativity overflowed during our Go with the Flow Entry Point.
Adaptability shone through as the children tinkered with their engineering projects.
Go with the Flow
Communication was centre stage in our class assembly, with the murmuration performance as the unforgettable highlight.
Enquiry and reflection were at the heart of our Guided Reading sessions.
Together, improving learning
Together,
NADA UDOCHI KAI AKANKSHA
AAYAN JAMES ALAUDEEN ETHAN
JOKO ARIA MUSA ABDULAH
HARRIS JULES CHARLOTTE NIDA
Mr. Ben
Together, improving learning
HANA HUNTER JACOBO K JIN
LUCIANA
LILA MAYA
RITISHA SAMUEL
SHREYAS SAUL
GRETA
CALLUM DANIEL
GHINA ELLA
Together,
Adelar Ashton Camila
Carl Finn Joyce
Kamsoochi Matthew
Navyaa
Nabila
Sheryl
Tomas Shikha Siddharth Tomisin Connie
Ollie
Miss Salbiah
Mr Rob
Year 3 & 4 DE
Mr. Adam
Year 5 & 6 DE
Mr. Adam
Year 7 & 8 DE
Mr. Adam
Physical Education in Teraja has given many opportunities for our students to expand their knowledge through a range of different units of work. From Dance, Gymnastics, Athletics, Swimming, Invasion games, Net and Wall games, Outdoor Adventurous Activities, Striking and Fielding games, our students have gained a great deal this year.
Together,
Miss Karachi
Miss Ahsha
Pe rf ormi n g A
Year 7 & 8
Digital Education
Together, improving learning
Mr. Adam
Physical Education in Melilas this year has seen a plethora of different units of work all designed to improve the importance of skill development, application of skills as well as fitness and well-being. Activities such as Football, Badminton, OAA, Dance, Athletics and Basketball have been widely appreciated from the students in Melilas.
Be a Legionary!
Analysing sources of evidence
Liberté , Égalité
Fraternité
Roman Army Formation
The Living Museum
Mr Matt Ms Jesmin
Mr Brian
Addams Family
Understanding
Presentation on Oil
Geology is Gneiss!
Weather Forecasting
Constructing a Barometer
Together,
Trip to Weather Centre
Mapping Potato Mountain
M elila
Sin gin
H ARMO NIZ IN G AS ONE
Mr. Stephen Science Teacher
HIGHLIGHTS IN SCIENCE
Together,
HIGHLIGHTS IN SCIENCE
Miss Sharifah Lab Technician
Job
Juf Steph
Layla Roman Eddy
Arthur Nia Nolan Moos Isabel Lenny
Isabelle
Jules Lila
Max Rosalie Nolan Misha Lewis Zain Anna
Max Suzanne Salomé Saul Cees Tycho
Shane Kesar Adelar
Easter celebrations
Making a shoe for Sinterklaas
Chinese New Year trip to Chung Ching Middle School
Understanding
Knowledge
Skills
Together,
Maths Challenge Day!
Mendaram & Rampayoh
“Traditional Dance”
This year, Panaga School celebrated Brunei’s 41st National Day with a march. Students and teachers showed patriotism, carried and waved a small flag. They sung and stood respectfully through the Brunei National Anthem, then followed by traditional dance and learning about the traditional games in Brunei. Students gained more Knowledge about their host country and also understand the traditions better.
Together, improving learning
International Day
Rampayoh’s annual sports day was a vibrant celebration of athleticism, team spirit, and school pride. This event brought together children, teachers, and families for a morning full of fun, energy and excitement.
Our field was filled with cheers as the children competed in sprints, javelin throws, hoopla, and relay races—each event highlighting the determination, training, and sportsmanship of our young athletes.
This year, Rampayoh students enjoyed a diverse selection of activities, including Mini Chefs, Little Librarians, Zumba, Creati Jungle School, and Ball Games, among many others. These experiences gave everyone the opportunity to explore new interests, develop fresh skills, and step outside their comfort zones.
For Teraja and Melilas, teachers offer a wide variety of After School Activities for Years 3 to 8, running from Monday to Thu Students can enjoy clubs like golf, basketball, netball, tag rugby, theatre makeup, craft, football, chess, construction, AI colouring, creative Chinese, and more—providing plenty of opportunities to explore new skills and passions. We also kick off Fridays with our early morning Running Club at 6:25am.
Music Challenge Day was a vibrant celebration of talent, teamwork, and creativity! Students from all year levels got involved in a range of activities that had us all moving.
Together, improving learning
To wrap it all up, we had sing-a-longs lead by our Chinese students and Glee ASA followed by performances from our talented Melilas students.
Melilas School Council
This year’s Melilas School Council have shown great leadership and been a key pupil voice involved in a wide range of decisions. They have raised funds through different initiatives and used these to buy things such as playground equipment. The School Council also took a leading role in a multimedia project to share what is special about Melilas.
School trips are an amazing part of our school experience. They help us consolidate our learning and become more independent, build links with our local and wider community and offer hands on experiences. They are also lots of fun!
This year Reception, Year One and Year Two have enjoyed a range of trips to places such as; The Panaga Club, Panaga Health, Seria Bowling, Religious Buildings, markets, local schools and more! Where will next yearÕs learning journey take us?
Book Week 2025 was an exciting event where we celebrated our love of books in different ways.
Fancy Dress
Sharing stories across the ages.
An exciting visit from the Author Sarah Pye and her main character Dr Wong.
Understanding
This year for Book Week we were fortunate to have visiting author Sarah Pye share stories from her adventures with Dr Wong of the Sun bear Sanctuary. Students were involved in buddy reading across the school, performing poetry and of course the ‘dress as a book character’ day.
Panaga School has again taken part in many BJSL (Brunei Junior Sports League) sports this calendar year. From the indoor athletics event, hosting the football, cross country, athletic, tag rugby, netball and swimming, our Teraja students have had plenty of opportunities to represent Panaga School in sporting events.
Teraja and Melilas hosted yet another momentous event with their 2025 Sports Day. Colourful names such as Ball Hop, Javelin, Bunny Hops, Sprint, Mike’s Numbers Game, and Obstacle Course were completed in the best sporting spirit. The event was completed with Sergeant Relay.
Our LL and SAMSA LL teaching together
This year has been the busiest yet for the Language Leaders! We kicked things off by teaching English at SAMSA, which was a great experience. Later, we teamed up with the Language Leaders from SAMSA to deliver a Malay lesson at Panaga School. We met up twice beforehand to plan and prepare—and all the effort paid off!
12th October 2024, first visit to SAMSA
Together, improving learning
In the second half of the year, we supported the Wildlife Warriors with the Bird Race event and helped run fundraising activities for the Sun Bear Sanctuary. Some of us also got involved with the staff team-building event, lending a hand where needed. To wrap things up, we joined the Year 2 students on their trip to Merangking, where we organised and led activities for m. ItÕs been a busy, rewarding year filled with learning, leadership, and teamwork!
Together, improving learning
Miss Steph Miss Marie
Wildlife Warriors: Voices for BorneoÕs Animals
At Panaga School, weÕre lucky to have so many passionate young conservationists. This year, 36 Wildlife Warriors from Year 3 to Year 6 have worked incredibly hard to educate others about the amazing wildlife of Borneo. They truly are the voice of the animals.
The year began with organising a Bird Fair to raise money for Dr. Wong and the Sun Bear Sanctuary. From there, they went on to lead a staff team-building event and run activities at a local secondary school and JIS. Through every event, theyÕve shown leadership, compassion, and commitment.
Miss Steph & Miss Marie
2025 has turned out to be an exciting time in the story of Panaga School. Our U13s Boy’s team were s history to compete in an international sporting event.
Sultan Bolkiah, the 5th Sultan of Brunei, also known as the singing captain. He married a princess from Sulu called Princess Lela Menchanai.
The Year 2 and 3 children have come together to perform a Brunei Legendary Assembly. They shared new knowledge on a legendary tale called ‘Sultan Bolkiah’ to all the students, teachers and parents.
The Year 2 students sang melodious songs both in English and Malay. Their singing and acting skills carried away the audiences. Another amazing performance children!
Primary Drama FOBISIA
Frin ge
Fringe Festival: Songs of the Musicals
Together,
Al addin T roub
Resilience
On May 1st, the Year 3’s had a fantastic time on their first residential at Panaga School. Spraying their teachers with water, and splashing paint for Artwork, the sound of laughter echoed all evening. Breakfast at the Club was the perfect end to a great experience. We are so proud of all of you!
Together,
Together,
Year 8 Spent an amazing 5 days on the island of Bintan: cooking, crafting, climbing, ziplining, kayaking, planting and giving back to the community by building safe water systems. They were role models of all our personal qualities and true global citizens.
Panaga School Whole Staff
Front Row (Sitting): Haziqah Hamdani, Nurhafilah Awang Besar, Khairunnisa Ramlee, Thuraiya Metusin, Fatin Adibah Nizamuddin, Sharifah Khadizah Hj Tapa, Norain Abdullah, Siew Sung Lee, Aisyah Syazwani Md Nasir, Sarah Metusin, Laila Khirul Anuar, Nurul Halifah Husaini, Dk Diyana Pg Taj udin, Zurimah Jumat, Hannah Zakaria, Tessa K Salim, Rozy Joebit, Ayen Rosli, Karachi Atiya, Liyana Haji Abdul Rahman, Jonifer Josep, Hakimah Haji Adris, Hjh Hasib ah Hj Hasdan, Joanna Josep, Abigail Foo.
Middle Row: Robert Harris, Lawrence James, Mee Yin Koo, Aimee Boase, Louise Ramsden, Cindy Harris, Chris Samsom, Haniza Haji Basri, Eliza wee Datang, Zaim Yussoff, Matthew Fagg, Hasmah Hj Salleh, Hjh Salbiah Hj Latip, Jolin Chua, Samantha Brooks, Emma Uma -Okoro, Adlina Idris, Hamizah Buang, Donna Bonham-Russell, Ahsha Fashshalna Hamdani, Khairina Effendy, Nur Azmina Mahmud, Nurafiqah Zaini, Mandy Russell, Nur Najwa Liza, Azira Azlani, Jessyanna Jentang, Mimi Ali, Shelagh Green, Martin Harvey, Sheena Hendry.
Back Row: Adam Bennett, Daniel Johnston, Melanie Linggang, Solma Empaling, Surayati Sidup, Alex Stanley, Amy Walters, Steven McCready, Andrew Boase, Suzanne Jones, Milia Buma, Tamsin Harris, Nicola Crompton, Tania Mehlhopt, Cecelia Luta, Melissa Sim, Katya Kuruch, Stephen Coates, K ane Gorman, Jen Wood, Dean Walters, Ben Sutton, Marie McCready, Pippa Baxter, Mike Uma-Okoro, Peta Gleeson, Brian Platts.
Donna Bonham-Russell
After 15 amazing years at Panaga School, it ’s time for us to say farewell for now as we prepare for our next adventure in Oman. It ’s hard to capture just how much this community has meant to us. I ’ve had the absolute privilege of spending my time here teaching and learning in Early Years and Key Stage 1, and for the past 8 years, serving as Deputy Principal of Mendaram and Rampayoh. It ’s been a journey filled with learning, laughter, challenges, and immense personal and professional growth. Some of the most special parts of this experien ce have been the friendships we've built and the connections we've made both in and out of the classroom. I ’ve been especially lucky to work alongside our wonderful Bruneian staff, who are truly the heart and soul of Panaga. Their warmth, kindness, humour and wisdom have been a c onstant source of strength and support. They ’ve not only kept the school running smoothly, but they ’ve also brought a deep sense of community and belonging that has made this place feel like home.
Brunei will always hold a very special place in our hearts. It ’s the country where Mikaela was born and where she has spent her entire primary school journey growing up, making friends, and learning in such a nurturing and unique environment. These are memories we will carry with us forever. To every child I ’ve taught, every colleague I ’ve worked with, and every parent I ’ve connected with thank you. Thank you for the laughs, the support, the encouragement, and for being part of our story. We leave with full hearts, grateful for all we ’ve shared, and excited for what lies ahead.
Jumpa lagi! it’s not goodbye, it's 'until we meet again'.
Aimee Boase
I have loved my 2 years at Panaga School. The school and the entire community have made me and my family so welcome and I have loved my time leading and working in Teraja as the Deputy Principal. I have enjoyed working with incredible staff and amazing student s. I have been fortunate enough to work in different schools in different counties but Panaga really is a unique place with the friendliest and kindest children I've ever had the privilege of working with. They embody our personal qualities and it's been an honour seeing each student grow and develop in such a truly international community.
Mandy Russell
I have spent 5 wonderful years at Panaga School and had the privilege of working in both Teraja and Melilas. From the early Covid days of teaching English and History (both in person and then online) to joining Teraja as a Deputy and then returning to Melilas as Deputy I have been blessed to spend time with amazing students and staff. As my youngest daughter Claire finishes her A levels and moves onto university in the UK (where our eldest daughter Emma is already) it is time for my husband Carl and myself to return to the UK and embark on o ur next adventure. The thing that will stay with me is the true uniqueness of our Panaga international family where everyone supports ea ch other and embodies -Together you, me our community.
Marie McCready
I have thoroughly enjoyed my year at Panaga School. It has been a privilege to work with so many enthusiastic and caring pro fessionals and parents, and of course such a kind, spirited and motivated student community. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and showin g full support of introducing a school nurse service to Panaga School.
Pippa Baxter
Although my time at Panaga School has been just one year, it has been a truly memorable and rewarding chapter. Teaching EAL h as allowed me to connect with incredible students from diverse backgrounds, and I ’ve been constantly inspired by their resilience, growth, and enthusiasm. What made the experience even more special was working alongside such dedicated, talented, and supportive colleagues. The Pan aga community has a warmth and spirit of togetherness that I will always carry with me. Thank you for the laughs, the learning, a nd the lasting memories.
Amy and Dean Walters
Living and working in Panaga for the past eight years has been an incredibly special chapter in our lives. The school has bee n a truly wonderful place to work supportive, inspiring, lots of fun and even more great makan!. It has also been the perfect environment for our children to l earn, thrive, and develop a genuine love of learning. Beyond the school gates, the friendships we ’ve formed here have become like family, creating a strong and caring community that we will deeply miss. Brunei itself is a beautiful, peaceful country, and we feel so lucky to have experienced its natural wonders and rich culture. The warmth and kindness of the Bruneian people have made a lasting impression on us. While we are sad to say goodbye, we are also filled with excitement as we look ahead to our next adventure in Saudi Arabia. Jumpa Lagi from Miss Amy, Mr Dean, Nylah and Willow
Tania Mehlhopt
After a wonderful 12 years in Panaga, my family and I are moving to Perth, Australia. I will miss the wonderful children, col leagues, friends, nature and the fabulous community parties, that make this place so unique. Jumpa Lagi nanti!
Norain Abdullah
My first experience working in Panaga school was very exciting and a bit challenging. But I strive to be resilient and adapta ble. Every year is different, brings new challenges and rewards (watching the children's achievements in the Early years), making my journey at Panaga school worthwhile. So finally after 15 years, its time for me to say Selamat Tinggal and looking forward to embark to another new ch apter in my life. Thank you Panaga school for making me a part of the Panaga Team.
"Retirement is a blank sheet of paper. It is a chance to redesign your life into something new and different ” - Patrick Foley
Solma Empaling
It has been an incredible journey, over 30 years walking through the gates of Panaga International School, starting way back during Principal ’s Henk time. As I come to the end of this chapter, my heart feels heavy because working here has truly been one of the happiest and most meaningful parts of my life. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering love and support I ’ve received over the years - from leader like Miss Donna, teachers like Miss Louise and Miss Shelagh, amazing admins, staffs and beautiful LSAs. I ’ll forever cherish the friendships built along the way. Each of you added something special to my days. If you ask me what I ’ll miss the most, without a doubt it is the children. Their laughter, questions, little moments of wonder - they ’ve filled my heart every single day and reminded me why this work matters so much. Thank you, Panaga for the memories, the love and the joy. You will always have a special place in my heart.
Chris Samsom & Job Mager
After calling Asia home since 2010, the time has come for our family to turn the page and explore a new continent. We're abou t to follow our biggest dream an overland adventure through South America in a sturdy (yet -to-be-named) 4WD. While we ’re incredibly excited about what lies ahead, saying goodbye to Panaga, Panaga School, and the Panaga community comes with a very heavy heart. We arrived in th e midst of COVID, and with Brunei ’s borders still closed, we had the opportunity to explore every corner of this beautiful country. I fell in love with its stunning nature and warm -hearted people. This is the place my children will always remember as the home of their childhood. It's where I rediscovered my passion for classroom teaching after several years in management, and where even a half -decent runner like me co uld place in the top three in Borneo ’s half marathons! Panaga will always hold a special place in our hearts. I will miss it deeply and am endlessly grateful for the five unforgettable years we've had here. Thank you, Panaga Community you’ve truly been the best.
Steven McCready
My whole family has had an awesome time in Brunei and at Panaga School. I feel truly privileged to have worked with such tale nted colleagues and the most incredible, inspiring students. Thank you for the memories, the laughter and the kindness. I will miss you all.
