Prem Pulse Vol. 2, Issue 1

Volume 2, Issue 1 | January 2024

Embark on the Journey Within

Discover the

World Beyond

W

elcome to the vibrant world of Prem International School, where education transcends traditional boundaries and embraces the essence of holistic development. It is with great pleasure that we invite you to immerse yourself in the pages of The Pulse, Prem’s Magazine, a dynamic showcase of our unwavering commitment to providing an outstanding education that combines academic excellence with a profound focus on student wellbeing.

Within these pages, you will discover a diverse array of activities that mirror our dedication to fostering a well-rounded educational experience.

At Prem, we believe in stretching and challenging our students in the most enjoyable and enriching ways possible. Our 100-acre campus serves as a canvas for a multitude of learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom, inviting the entire community to connect with nature through outdoor education. The many opportunities found within Chiang Mai and greater Thailand serve to provide our students with additional exciting and real-world moments of collaboration, reflection and learning: whether that is through internships, camp weeks, or a wide range of arts and academic competitions and symposiums.

The magazine encapsulates the very best of student learning experiences, spanning every facet of school life. From exceptional musicianship to captivating theatre performances and inspiring visual arts, our commitment to nurturing creativity knows no bounds. Additionally, we take pride in offering unparalleled sporting opportunities through our numerous academies and teams that not only promote physical wellbeing but also instil values of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Beyond the realm of extracurricular activities, our commitment to intellectual growth and exploration is evident in the diverse range of articles presented within these pages. Prem International School is more than just an educational institution; it is a dynamic community where students find themselves surrounded by opportunities for personal and academic growth.

As you peruse the pages of The Pulse, we invite you to envision the unique and enriching experiences that define life at Prem. Could there be a better place in the whole world to find yourself at school? We believe the answer is a resounding no. Welcome to a journey of discovery, growth, and inspiration at Prem International School.

With very best wishes,

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

CONTENT PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

U20 Girls’ Soccer Sevens Tournament at BISP The Nature Night Walk at Prem Forest School Talk for Writing Adventures Unleashing Creativity and Imagination A Vibrant Weekend: Diwali Celebrations and Houseboat Getaway in Boarding Exploring Environmental Systems in Grade 11 ESS Thai Culture EY3 Beyond the Leaf and Stem An Unforgettable Day of Learning and Fun for Grades 6-8 Spanish Song and Culture Enrichment at Prem Advocacy for Global Welfare (AGW) Foundation Visit in Chiang Rai Exploria: Where Young Authors Blossom at Prem’s Primary School!

Holidays in Boarding Prao: Bann Luang Local Public School Supplies and Books Donation Greece Is the Word!

Spreading School Spirit at Prem!

Exciting New Library Book Arrivals!

Exciting News for the Prem panther Community!

Introduction to Forest School Workshop Traidhos Three Generation Community for Learning Exciting News from RWS! Emotional Canvas: Teak Leaves and Art Senior School House Artists Lights, Camera and Action Stingless Bees on Campus Prem Boarding Weekend!

Building Bridges: English Education Project Engagement with Thai and Prem Students Grade 4 Visual Arts Integration Premathlon Awards Made on Campus!

Exlporing French Art and Culture: An afternoon with Myrtille Tibayrenc Welcoming a New Academic Year in Boarding Making Transdisciplinary Connections Visible in Grade 1

4 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 14 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 20 21 21

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PRODIGIOUS PANTHERS Giving the Gift of Life!

Grade 9 Achieves Summit in Adventurous International Award Journey Celebrating Success: Gabriel C. Musical Success for Prem Student Learning Leadership at Prem!

Bangkok International Band Festival ABRSM Distinction Award for Even, Grade 5 Hitting the High Notes-Prem Academy of Music continues with Anantara’s “The Young Artist Award” Prem at the World’s Scholar’s Cup Global Round in Bangkok

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PRESTIGIOUS ALUMNI

PREMIER EVENTS Artist Residency Thailand Grade 5 Camp Celebrating Prem’s 2023 Winter Wonderland!

Fantastic Festival of Super Science Music Academy Concert: A celebration of Creativity Lighting of the Tree Ceremony Another Successful Premathlon!

Day of the Dead Festivities at Prem Happy Loy Krathong!

Prem’s Halloween was A Spook-tacular Success!

Networking Event at the Shangri-La Junior School Music’s Vibrant Journey College Fair at Prem: A Remarkable Community Event Celebrating Success: Prem Symphonic Band Fundraising Concert!

Swim Panthers!

Congratulations to Prem JS Swim Team Members

Local Prem Coffee 1,000 Visitors on Traidhos Campus Over the Summer School Break!!

House Team Building Assembly Faculty House Teams Senior School Sunrise Prem’s CMAC Cross Country Meet was a Success The Amazing Faculty Race First Week of Exploria First PSC Coffee Meet Up of the Year!

The Whole School Reached Out Prem’s Fall Classic Happy Founder’s day, Prem Community!

Two Action-Packed Days at Prem’s Sports Day! Celebrating the kick off of the season with a fantastic match!

CMAC Season 1 Footballl Update!

PSC Ambassador and Grade Gatherings for the New School Year A night of musical enchantment at the Prem Symphonic Band gala!

22 23 23 24 24 25 26 26 27 28 28 29 30 30 31 31

Danial Castillo, Class of 2023 Aaron Rauner, Class of 2022 Rico Kyaw, Class of 2015 Thanaid Voogel, Class of 2014 Charles Bizot, Class of 2010

46 47 48 48 49

Traidhos Camp Chiang Mai Thailand

50

Editor: Sandra Thompson, Ph.D. Graphic Designer: Nitipun Sorat Head of Digital Media: Will Langston Photographers/Videographers: Bobby Woraphon, Sarawut M. Printing Company: Blueprint Design

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

U20 GIRLS

Soccer Sevens Tournament at BISP

Our U20 girls’ football team seized the extraordinary opportunity to partake in BISP’S annual Soccer Sevens Tournament held in Phuket.

With over 100 participating teams representing nine countries, this year’s tournament marked a significant milestone for our team, as none of us have ever experienced something quite like this. Our departure from Prem at 4:00 a.m. was the kickoff to this unforgettable experience.

After landing, we wasted no time and headed straight into the heart of Phuket’s old town where we surrounded ourselves with live music and beautiful pastel buildings. Naturally, we were all eager to explore Phuket’s tropical beaches. This provided us with the perfect place to unwind and spend meaningful time together.

Day 1 The morning of tournament day one, our spirit was immediately cut short. Stepping onto the fields at BISP was an eye-opener for us. It was like nothing we’d faced before—the competition was on a whole other level. We were underprepared and we did not even have the chance to warm up or stretch before starting our first ever Soccer Sevens match. While playing our first match, it was hard not to dwell on the thought that we do not train half the amount of time that the other teams do. Nevertheless, we powered through our first match. Although the match ended being a Prem Panther’s loss, we undoubtedly grew as players as we learned how to better organise our team.

As day one unfolded, it became clear that there were lessons for us to learn as a team, lessons which can only be taught through tough experiences. We swiftly recognized the areas where we needed to improve and changed our approach immediately both on and off the

field. We began showing up to matches early and having clear team communication. We left day one with one win, three losses, and a better than ever 2023 U20 girls’ football team.

Day 2 Day two. We started off the day with our most challenging match ever, and yet, it was this match which symbolised our rapid progression as a sports team. Our team beautifully adapted to the quick paced game style of Soccer Sevens. We passed with precision and never ran harder. We left the group stages with this match’s win. Securing the fourth position out of six teams in our group, we were in a pivotal position as we geared up for the knockout stages and aimed for a shot at the Plate.

During the quarterfinal match, our team showcased a level of play that surpassed all previous performances. Our defensive line exhibited aggression by pushing past the halfway mark, while our offensive players relentlessly aimed for goals. We played every minute with determination and won our spot in the semi-finals.

To Conclude Unfortunately, our first Soccer Sevens tournament did not end with us playing in the Plate finals. It ended with a loss, but disappointment was not a lingering sensation. We felt grateful. We were grateful for the warm sand we felt at the beach, for the humiliating losses we faced on our first day, for the triumphs and exhilaration on the second, for the unforgettable three days we had.

We are grateful for our exceptional goalkeeper who has brought us two shiny golden medals here in Chiang Mai. Having her on our team is vital, and her only being in Grade 8 makes it even more impressive.

We are grateful for our coaches Khun March and Khun Fah. Their dedication went beyond just tactical guidance; it was a bond that united us as an extraordinary team. We would like to give a big thank you to everyone who made this journey possible. We are all eager to return to Soccer Sevens in the future. Lets Go Panthers!

Sophia M., Grade 10 U20 Girls Football Captain

The Nature Night Walk

at Prem Forest School was truly magical!

Students and parents embarked on an adventure to discover the secrets of the night, encountering flying squirrels, centipedes, spiders, and owls. Thanks to the insightful organisation by Teachers Tona, Sandeep, and Ter, we not only explored but also learned about these creatures with misunderstood reputations. The Prem campus became a canvas for an educational journey, making the night an unforgettable experience.

Will Langston Head Digital Media

4 P U L S E

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

Talk for Writing Adventures Unleashing Creativity

and Imagination In a delightful journey of literacy through play, the youngest learners at our school are immersing themselves in the world of storytelling. In Early Years Three, students are not only learning to retell stories but are becoming storytellers themselves. Using the engaging Talk for Writing maps, the children recently delved into the classic tale of the Enormous Turnip. What followed was a burst of creativity as they crafted their own narratives, working collaboratively to share imaginative ideas, invent new characters, and present their unique stories to the class. It’s a testament to the power of play in fostering a love for literacy and igniting young minds.

Early Years Three’s storytelling journey began with the introduction of the Talk for Writing map, where the children learned different symbols and associated actions. This method aids memory and empowers them to retell stories with ease.

Taking a step further, the children collaboratively constructed their own story map. Key aspects and characters from the original tale of the Enormous Turnip were replaced with imaginative alternatives.

In a spirited class discussion, various ideas surfaced, and the class collectively voted on their favourites. The apple took centre stage, replacing the turnip, accompanied by the introduction of a ghost and a skeleton puppy as the new main characters.

This creative process seamlessly connected with our units on ‘Sharing the Planet’ and ‘How the World Works.’ The discussion around the differences between turnips and apples prompted considerations of forces and motions. Children contemplated the unique challenges of pulling an apple from a tree versus a turnip from the ground, leading to a deeper exploration of the scientific concepts interwoven with our literary exploration.

The power of this interconnected learning experience was evident as the children, now armed with a deeper understanding of forces and materials, transitioned to small groups. Working collaboratively, they applied the same technique learned as a whole class to create their own stories. Drawing upon their creativity, communication, and thinking skills, the children crafted characters and narratives, embracing risk-taking as they confidently presented their unique stories to friends and teachers.

This literacy adventure not only enriched our understanding of storytelling but also served as a dynamic platform for the integration of various concepts and lines of inquiry. The enthusiasm and imaginative spark displayed by the children highlighted the harmony between literacy, scientific exploration, and collaborative learning.

Raghda Ibrahim​​​​ Early Years 3 Teacher

P U L S E 5

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

A Vibrant Weekend: Diwali Celebrations and Houseboat Getaway

in Boarding

In boarding, we participated in a lively Diwali celebration at a local Indian restaurant. The boarding students dove into the festive ambiance, indulging in mouthwatering Indian cuisine that added a touch of cultural richness to the evening.

Then a spirited group of students and teachers Bobby, Krisha, Tona, and Nic, embarked on an exciting adventure to a scenic houseboat nestled in the enchanting Sri Lanna National Park.

The day unfolded with a series of aquatic activities, including swimming, kayaking, and board games, all set against the backdrop of the park’s natural beauty. These activities not only provided thrilling moments but also strengthened the bonds of camaraderie among friends.

Meanwhile, another group opted for a more relaxed experience on campus. They seized the opportunity to unwind at a charming cafe near the school, enjoying tea and snacks in the company of teacher Linda. This laid-back setting allowed for meaningful conversations and a delightful break from the routine.

In essence, our weekend was a whirlwind of action-packed events catering to diverse interests. Whether it was the cultural revelry of Diwali or the outdoor escapades at Sri Lanna National Park, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The combination of festivities, outdoor adventures, and relaxed moments made for a memorable weekend that brought the boarding community together in the spirit of fun and camaraderie.

Boarding Staff

6 P U L S E

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

Exploring Environmental

Systems in Grade 11 ESS

“Energy can be neither created nor destroyed.” Our ESS students delved into the foundations of environmental systems thinking and issues, relating this principle to food webs and ecosystems.

Under the guidance of Teacher Emma, they conducted a fascinating experiment, burning food items to assess how much energy transfers into the water above it.

These results will have a real-world environmental impact, shedding light on the energy loss when food is consumed.This lab session also equipped our students with essential skills for designing, conducting, and analysing experiments, which they’ll apply to their final assessment. Hands-on learning at its finest!

Will Langston Head Digital Media

Thai Culture EY3 Beyond the Leaf and Stem

The Early Year 3 students study how traditional Thai practices can support our community’s sustainable living. The class has integrated the Reggio Emilia approach throughout our learning journey.

We explored the uses of the banana leaf or “Baitong” for making banana baskets to wrap up our Thai desserts. In traditional Thai cuisine, banana leaves are employed as plates and food wrappers, and the leaves are used to steam dishes such as “Kaaw Dtom” (coconut sticky rice with banana wrapped in banana leaves) and “Mok Bplaa” (steamed fish).

The banana tree plays an important role during traditional blessing ceremonies such as the “Bai Sri” ceremony and the Loy Kratong festival.

We also created Thai Toys from the banana stem and made a horse or “Maa Gaan Gluay” for horse riding competitions. Students discussed and shared ideas. Some students volunteered to be the judges and others were divided into teams for the race.

Throughout our exploration and learning, students naturally embody the spirit of designers, risk-takers, inventors, and teamwork.

Yuwadee Makpan Thai Language and Culture Teacher

P U L S E 7

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

An Unforgettable Day

of Learning and Fun

for Grades 6-8

Our fantastic Grades 6-8 students embarked on an exciting journey beyond the classroom. They took part in an array of team-building activities, including a visit to the Elephant PooPooPaper Park in Chiang Mai! At the PooPooPaper Park, our students not only discovered the fascinating history of paper making but also got their hands dirty in crafting their own sustainable paper. Yes, you read it right - starting with elephant poop fibres and witnessing the transformation into sustainable paper products, right there on-site!

Back at school, our brilliant students faced physical and problemsolving challenges as they navigated the Traidhos low-rope course and dove into the swimming pool. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and a ton of fun!

Will Langston Head of Digital Media

Spanish

Song and Culture Enrichment

at

Prem

As a Forest School teacher, it’s challenging to spend time in a four-wall classroom. When Teacher Paopao asked me to share the culture and traditions of La Bamba, it was an eye-opening experience. We went beyond simply singing the song; we delved into its history and origins. This involved understanding its place of origin, the climate, traditional attire, and its role in wedding ceremonies. We also explored the original instruments of Son Jarocho, the music style to which it belongs. All of this allowed us to sing the song in its original Spanish, truly feeling its rhythms and melodies.

It was more than just a music class; it felt like a journey through time and my own culture. Thanks to Grade 5 and Teacher Paopao, I hope our students gained a deeper understanding of this classic song and a stronger connection to Mexican heritage.

Tonatiuh Peña Arriaga Forest School and Outdoor Learning Coordinator

8 P U L S E

video link

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

ADVOCACY for GLOBAL

Welfare (AGW) Foundation Visit in Chiang Rai

Our team visited The Freedom Story in Chiang Rai. We met over 25 children that were vulnerable from human trafficking that are now being taken care of by the organisation with financial aid and proper education. We had a short workshop with the Resource Mobilization Manager. We learned that in the process of raising awareness and promoting their actions, it was inevitable for them to use footage of the children with their faces. This brought about a number of ethical challenges revolving around the discussion of consent and infringement of portrayal rights. The Freedom Story were concerned of their positive actions degenerating into profit-seeking marketing by purposefully making people evoke an emotion of guilt. This is the reason why they restricted themselves to only using photos of children with smiles on their faces. In addition, we learned how it is hard for them to compile statistical analysis of the service they are offering and quantify to what extent their actions are meeting their goals. The limitation arises from the nature of the organisation as their primary objective is concentrated on prevention, not rescuing people who have been trafficked. This makes it harder to prove to what degree their actions had actual influence in preventing child trafficking, making it harder to demonstrate the positive impacts from their indirect actions. Overall, this trip to Chiang Rai was significant for us as Advocacy for Global Welfare. This visit allowed us to seek potential threats and how we could alleviate and raise further attention to the issues associated with human trafficking in Northern Thailand.

This stimulated our sense of responsibility as part of Advocacy for Global Welfare because there are still numerous children in the rural areas where they were not able to reach out to help. From this we were able to enhance further upon our vision statement to raise additional awareness for global welfare.

Amelie VL., Grade 12 Student Council Co-President

P U L S E 9

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

Exploria: Where Young Authors Blossom

at Prem’s Primary School!

The magic of storytelling is coming to life as we proudly introduce Exploria, our vibrant Creative Writing Club for students in Grades 2 to 5. Exploria has been abuzz with young authors’ spinning captivating tales that have been leaving everyone in awe!

This has become an enchanting journey through the world of words for our little authors. Initially, we embarked on a fantastic adventure into comic-style storytelling. With guidance, our students used story maps to map out their exciting adventures. What’s more, they brought their stories to life on comic book paper provided by the club. The results were nothing short of amazing.

As our explorers delved deeper into the world of storytelling, many chose to create their very own books. The boundless creativity they’ve displayed has been truly remarkable. With each stroke of the pen, they’ve uncovered new worlds and embarked on grand adventures that will stay with them for a lifetime.

What sets Exploria apart is our secret weapon against writer’s block – the storytelling dice! When our young authors find themselves at a loss for words, they roll the dice to uncover new characters, settings, and problems to weave into their tales. It’s a fun and interactive way to keep the creative juices flowing, making each club meeting an exciting journey of discovery.

But we’re not just about words. Our young authors also have the opportunity to breathe life into their stories through colourful illustrations, giving their characters a vivid presence on the page.

Exploria is a welcoming and nurturing space for young talents to grow, no matter their experience level. We are thrilled to see what amazing stories our talented primary school writers will pen next. Exploria is where young imaginations flourish, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our creative family. Join us on this incredible journey of storytelling magic at Prem Primary School’s Exploria Creative Writing Club!

Grace Gedrich Grade 2 Teacher

10 P U L S E

Holidays

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

in

Boarding

Over the holiday, some students went home to be with their families, while others stayed and had a lot of fun. It was a mix of relaxation and adventure as boarders enjoyed night markets, zip-lining, water parks, and soothing massages.

One of the best parts of the week was when we visited a beautiful temple in northern Thailand called Wat Phra That Hari Phun Chai. We went there during the beautiful Lantern Festival.

The students wrote a wish on the lanterns and hung them with others as a symbol of their hopes and dreams going up. To end the week on a high note, we took our boarders to a Taylor Swift film. Everyone had a blast singing and dancing to her songs. It was a night full of great fun.

This holiday was all about having a lot of fun and making special memories. Here are some comments from our boarders: “I had a lot of fun with the teachers and my friends. I felt our bond getting stronger after the time spent together. We got to do activities that we usually would not have been able to do.

The highlight of my vacation was the Taylor Swift Film.”

“To be honest, this past week on campus was truly the most enjoyable week I’ve spent in Prem so far, all the people I’ve spent time with this week were superb including the teachers who were a lot of fun. I wished this week could last forever, especially the trip to the lantern light festival and the time spent in the hotel with all of the students and teachers were memorable.”

Boarding Staff

P U L S E 11

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

PRAO: BAAN LUANG LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL

SUPPLIES & BOOKS DONATION

The Food Bank & Local Communities team along with teachers Rachel, Sam and Ni visited local students at Baan Luang School (a Small Public School at Prao in Chiang Mai). The school only has seven teachers with around 45 students in Grades 1-6. We received a very warm welcome from the students with a lovely Pattaya Dance Performance and a tour around their small school.

Our team brought books for their library as they only have very old textbooks. The students and teachers at Baan Luang School were very happy to see all of the colourful books in both English and Thai.

They had a very fun time playing games and having lunch with our Prem teachers and students.

We would like to thank our representatives: Coco (G11), Max (G11), Alessia (G11), Boon Boon (G11), Eva (G6) and the rest of the team who helped make this event possible.

We will continue to support this school and try to establish a functioning library.

Last but not least, If anyone would like to know more about our Food Bank Exploria, you can find us on Facebook (Food Bank and local community service) and Instagram @foodbanklc_th. We are very happy that our team can be one of the groups that can provide transportation to share Food and necessary things with others. If anyone would like to support us or has something to donate you can contact us at foodbankprem@ptis.ac.th.

Sometimes we just need to give a small little item to make others smile. We believe that we could do this together to support others as Prem Community.

Coco X., Grade 10 Food Bank & Local Communities Founder

12 P U L S E

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

GREECE IS THE WORD! Grade 9 students are halfway into their exploration and realisation of Greek tragedy Medea written by Euripides and first performed in 431 BCE. In the production phase, the students researched and built masks to enable a cast of six to play multiple roles and the Greek chorus.

Students will rehearse the play and perform it in Prem’s amphitheatre attempting to recreate ancient performing conditions. This project based learning gives learners the opportunity to work collaboratively and also to pursue individualised learning. Students have taken on responsibility for set design, sound and light, costume and props, script editing, direction, dramaturgy and movement choreography.

Ian Johnston Director of Drama

Spreading School Spirit Sch

@

Prem!

Prem!

Prem’s Senior School Student Council hosted an EPIC Spirit Week, and our students turned up the energy by dressing up and showing their true school spirit! From cosy Pyjama Day to embracing their favourite characters on Character Day, our students showcased their creativity and enthusiasm. But you know what stole the show? It was the muchanticipated Teacher/Student Swap Day, and it was an absolute blast! Let’s hear it for our fantastic students and the Student Council for making Spirit Week unforgettable!

Will Langston Head Digital Media

P U L S E 13

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

Exciting g New Library

Book Arrivals!

We have received a fantastic selection of new books that are sure to ignite the love of reading in our students. With these new arrivals, we aim to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning. As the junior school Literacy Coordinator, I regularly collaborate with our dedicated team of library staff to carefully select a diverse range of books to cater to the interests and reading levels of all our students.

From captivating picture books for our younger readers to thought-provoking novels for older students, there is something for everyone. This year we have added about a thousand new books that support students’ social emotional well-being, units of inquiry, the learner profile attributes, guided and levelled reading. We believe that reading should be an integral part of the learning process, and these books will help reinforce classroom concepts in an engaging way.

Every year, new orders will be added to our existing collection to ensure that our young readers have rich resources that support learning and enrich their imagination. We look forward to seeing our students and parents explore the new additions to our library. Together, we can inspire a new generation of lifelong learners. Happy reading!

Mayada Bayomi Literacy Coordinator and EAL Teacher

video link

Exciting News for

the Prem Panther Community!

We were thrilled to unveil the stunning addition of the PREM Panther logo and a bold “P” on the Gym’s main doors! This project was made possible through the amazing collaboration of HS & MS Athletics Council students, dedicated teaching staff from the Athletics Department, and our talented graphic designer, Khun Mee.

A special shoutout to Lee (Assistant Head of School) for designating a portion of the proceeds from the Prem Fall Classic Football Tournament to make this branding project a reality. We also want to express our gratitude to all the pizza lovers who enjoyed a slice at the tournament – your support helped fund the giant “P” (“P” stands for “Panthers,” not “Pizza”! ).

“Our hope is that these eye-catching main door designs will fill every Prem Panther with pride as they enter the Gym.” video link

14 P U L S E

Adam Copus Co-Athletics Director

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

INTRODUCTION TO FOREST SCHOOL

WORKSHOPP First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to all the parents who joined us for this unique exploration of the Forest School philosophy. It was a morning filled with discovery and connection that left lasting impressions. Our journey included a captivating Forest School tour, during which we uncovered the secrets of this outdoor classroom with its vibrant flora and fauna, natural wonders, and unique features that make it an ideal setting for holistic education. We learned how the forest comes alive as a living, breathing teacher. The heart of the workshop was the ‘Challenge by Choice’ activities, with parents immersing themselves in the Forest School experience. Some chose the creative path of birdwatching and bamboo cup making. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the unexpected encounter with a Copperhead racer snake—an exhilarating moment that added an extra layer of excitement to our forest adventure. Parents played an invaluable role in this encounter, helping to identify and appreciate this magnificent creature during our self-guided activities. For those who couldn’t be part of this workshop, we have exciting news to share.

More Forest School workshops are already in the pipeline, offering you the chance to experience the magic of Forest School with us.

Thank you once again for making our “Introduction to Forest School” Workshop a memorable and enriching experience.

Tonatiuh Peña Arriaga Forest School and Outdoor Learning Coordinator

WELCOME TO OUR DYNAMIC NEW JUNIOR SCHOOL COUNCIL! We are thrilled to introduce the newest members of our Junior School Council, a group of bright and dedicated students who have already demonstrated remarkable eagerness and commitment to their roles. These young leaders have wasted no time in offering their ideas, stepping up to lead assemblies, and sharing their visions for our Junior School Council. The inaugural meeting was a hive of activity, with animated discussions and enthusiastic collaboration as our council members brainstormed the essential qualities of an effective council member. From empathy and active listening to teamwork and creativity, these student leaders are poised to set a shining example for their peers. With a clear sense of purpose, our Junior School Council members have outlined their goals as a group for the upcoming year.

They are determined to create a positive and inclusive environment for all students, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Their initiatives will focus on enhancing student engagement, nurturing a culture of respect, and championing exciting new opportunities. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and passion demonstrated by our Junior School Council members. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and we have no doubt that they will achieve great things this year. We can’t wait to see their ideas come to life and witness the positive impact they will have on our school community. Congratulations to our new council members, and a huge thank you to all the students who expressed interest in being a part of this remarkable team. Your willingness to step forward and make a difference is truly commendable.

Mary-Ann Van De Weerd Deputy Junior School Principal PYP Coordinator

P U L S E 15

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

Traidhos Three Generation Community for Learning

Our Grade 8 Product Design students took a delicious dive into the Design Process! They designed and crafted Chiang Mai icon cookie cutters using our 3D printers. Then, it was off to the Traidhos Cooking Academy for a fun-filled baking adventure.

With aprons on and creative minds engaged, students put their cookie cutters to the test, crafting scrumptious treats. They assessed how effectively their designs worked and whether the resulting cookies resembled their initial visions, all while gaining valuable baking skills along the way.

Will Langston Head Digital Media

Exciting News

from RWS!

The Relief Wellness Society (RWS) made their debut at the Prem Fall Classic football game with a delightful array of Shaved Ice. It was a fantastic event, and all the proceeds from the Shaved Ice sales will go towards supporting refugees in need. Your participation has already made a significant impact!

“RWS doesn’t stop at philanthropy; we’re explorers who combine acts of service with historical and cultural awareness. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most” Stay tuned for more incredible Relief Wellness Society events and opportunities!

Jerry L., Grade 11 Relief Wellness Society Student

16 P U L S E

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

EMOTIONAL CANVAS: TEAK

LEAVES

AND

ART

Grade 2 students at Forest School are immersing themselves in the “Who We Are” Unit of Inquiry by exploring emotions in the natural world. They’ve chosen emotions, captured them through our polaroid in the forest, and are now translating these sentiments onto teak leaves using watercolours. What’s intriguing is that each leaf features two emotions, showcasing the shared experience of feelings. Additionally, students are connecting emotions with weather or natural phenomena, deepening their understanding of the environment’s impact on emotions. This harmonious blend of art, emotion, and nature illustrates the profound learning experiences Forest School offers.

Tonatiuh Peña Arriaga Forest School and Outdoor Learning Coordinator

Senior School

House Artists

Kudos to our talented Senior School House artists and the dedicated staff who backed their House teams in Friday’s House Arts Challenge! Our newly appointed Student House Captains provided great leadership, guiding their teams through various rounds of the crest creation challenge, from morning assembly collages to symbols featured during both lunches.

Will Langston Head Digital Media

P U L S E 17

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

LIGHTS, CAMERA and...

ACTION The Young Artist Award Program in conjunction with Anantara Chiang Mai has started with a great flourish of musical brilliance.

Throughout one month, at Anantara Chiang Mai, during the serving of their 5 star ‘Afternoon Tea’, Prem students offered 5 star musical performances. Our wonderful performers shared their passion for music and took the audience on a journey offering a wide variety of musical styles and genres.

Chris Johnson Director Music Academy

StI Stingless Bees

on Campus

Exciting day at Prem’s BeeKeepers Exploria led by teacher Tim! Our students took on the role of beekeepers, moving our stingless bees to a brand new hive. The sweetest reward? Tasting the delicious honey produced by these hardworking little pollinators. Learning about sustainability and the vital role of bees in our ecosystem.

Will Langston Head Digital Media

18 P U L S E

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

Prem

Boarding Weekend!

Board A fantastic weekend at Prem Boarding! From Korean dinner to basketball, nature drawing, and a pool swim, our Saturday was a blast. The real highlight?

An epic Bingo showdown that left everyone craving a rematch. Sunday brought retail therapy and a movie, and ended the weekend with delicious BBQ. Bobby Woraphon Junior Boarding Parent & School Marketing (Digital Marketing)

Building Bridges: English Education Project Engagement with Thai

and Prem Students

After embarking on their teaching journey with the local school Nong Pla Man and the Kingdom Kids last year, the English Education Project (EEP) continues this year with Mae Rim Wittyakom. Each lesson consists of approximately 40 Thai students and 20 Prem students.

EEP focuses on conversational English, teaching content that can be utilised in their daily lives, and providing increased opportunities in a globalised world.

Will Langston Head Digital Media

P U L S E 19

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

Grade 4 Visual Arts Integration

Our Grade 4 students embarked on an enriching journey to Wat Pa Dara Phirom in Mae Rim! As part of an integrated “Who We Are” unit, they delved into the realm of spiritual well-being, fostering a deeper connection to Thai culture and Visual Arts. In Thai Culture class, they explored the significance of Thai temples in the community and their central role in Thai society. Students drew inspiration from the talented 12-year-old artist, TinTin, renowned for his intricate drawings of Thai temples.

While at the temple, students practised their observation skills as they looked closely at the patterns and symbols seen on the temples.

Students developed an understanding of the unique style of temples found in Chiang Mai and they had the opportunity to speak with a former Monk.

Kelly Fahey PYP & MYP Visual Arts Teacher

French Art and Culture: Premathlon EAnxploring afternoon with Myrtille Tibayrenc

Awards

Made on Campus! am

Not far from Prem, French artist Myrtille Tibayrenc opened her studio doors to our Grade 11 and 12 French students, creating an afternoon filled with artistic wonder and cultural connection.

Myrtille’s studio, a vibrant tapestry of colours and creativity, was the perfect backdrop for an immersive experience. The students were greeted by a space that echoed the artist’s eclectic style and passion for her craft.

We commenced with Myrtille’s engaging talk, where she shared the intricacies of her art— inspirations, techniques, and the cultural influences that shape her work. The students, captivated by her warmth and enthusiasm, absorbed every detail, gaining valuable insights into the life of an artist. The studio buzzed with inspiration as the students connected with the artistic energy that surrounded them.

Myrtille treated the students to the aroma of freshly made French crêpes as a delightful cultural touch. This culinary experience became a sensory delight, offering a taste of French culture that complemented the artistic exploration.

The interactive Q&A session marked a turning point in our visit. Initially reserved, the students, fueled by Myrtille’s encouraging demeanour, expressed their thoughts and curiosities freely. Language barriers faded away as the group engaged in cross-cultural dialogue, deepening their understanding of art and fostering a sense of connection.

Doctor Emma Shaw was very busy leading up to the Premathlon. Check out her creative initiative in making awards out of recycled bottle caps.

Will Langston Head Digital Media

20 P U L S E

Video Link

The afternoon with Myrtille Tibayrenc was a transformative experience for the students—a blend of inspiration, cultural exchange, and artistic exploration. The morning after the visit I received a short message from Myrtille : “Ces élèves sont brillants.” The memories created during this visit will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, instilling a profound appreciation for art and the bridges it builds between diverse cultures. ​​ ​ ​ ​​​​​ Anne-Carole Laborde​​​​ ​​​​​​English B and French B Teacher

PA N T H E R S I N A C T I O N

WELCOMING

A NEW

ACADEMIC YEAR

IN BOARDING

The start of a new Academic Year is always exciting in boarding. From the time we start to refresh the rooms until the morning the students arrive there is a feeling of excitement and joy. Boarding is such an empty place without the students!

We start this year with 87 students, 30 newly enrolled from G3 to G12. Our G3 - G5 living together, and our G12 having the privilege of their own rooms.

Linda Buck Director of Boarding

Making Transdisciplinary

Connections Visible in Grade 1 In Grade 1, the IB PYP transdisciplinary connections come to life through a vibrant exploration of the Day of the Dead and Cultural Celebrations unit. The Forest School led by teacher Tona is a component that introduces students to the natural world, allowing them to draw inspiration from the environment for their artistic and musical endeavours. Through outdoor activities, they develop a deeper connection to nature, reinforcing the interdependence between the environment and cultural traditions. The children have used sustainable materials to create a larger than life skull piñata. In Music with teacher Paopao, students engage in rhythmic expressions inspired by the celebratory beats associated with the Day of the Dead. Art class with teacher Kelly is a canvas for cultural exploration as students create visual representations of traditional symbols and practices, fostering a cross-cultural understanding. The children had the opportunity to create beautiful papel picados and learn the process of using the oven to kiln the ceramic skulls. Homeroom activities serve as a hub for reflection and integration, where students share their experiences from different disciplines, weaving a tapestry of knowledge that embraces diversity and fosters a holistic understanding of cultural celebrations.

This transdisciplinary approach not only enriches academic learning but also nurtures a sense of curiosity, empathy, and interconnectedness among Grade 1 students and the greater community.

Wendy Mills Grade 1 Teacher, U20 & U16 Girls Basketball Coach, & JS Head of Houses

P U L S E 21

PREMIER EVENTS

Artist

Our Artist Residency Thailand program continues to stand as a testament to the fundamental role of creative-thinking, imagination, and expression in education, human understanding and in building school community. Rooted in global insights from organisations such as UNESCO and the OECD on the crucial importance of arts in education, this innovative program continues to be committed to enriching our school’s educational landscape.

By fostering a diverse array of creative collaborations from practitioners selected from more than six hundred annual applications, the program not only aims to drive forward innovation but also deeply embeds the essence of artistic expression in the core of learning, highlighting its intrinsic value in shaping well-rounded, empathetic, and globally aware individuals.

Each of the creative practitioners we collaborated with so far this year, have brought a unique perspective and skill set, enriching the educational experience for our students and wider community.

Their contributions have not only enhanced our curriculum but also fostered a dynamic environment where creativity, imagination, and cultural understanding thrive. The following gives an overview of some of these remarkable artists who have collaborated and brought their thinking into our learning.

Starting the year, Timothy Nouzak’s residency merged dance with visual thinking, offering a multidimensional learning experience across the PYP, TOK, and DP programs. This integration encouraged students to explore visual themes through movement, fostering both artistic literacy and cognitive engagement.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Compagine Intangible Residency, led by dance experts Benjamin Tardif and Olé Khamchanla, integrated traditional and contemporary dance forms. Their work with students in Drama and Language B courses highlighted the powerful connection between linguistic and cultural narratives and the expressive potential of performance arts.

Melinda Butt’s residency focused on colour and light, serving as a vibrant teaching tool across various disciplines. Her involvement particularly enriched the Theory of Knowledge classes and language

22 P U L S E

Residencyy Thailand

acquisition programs, demonstrating the efficacy of inclusive and interdisciplinary approaches in education.

The Bangkok International Children’s Theatre Festival collaboration brought interactive theatrical experiences to the school. These sessions, especially with young students, showcased the transformative impact of theatre in fostering creativity and expressive skills.

Prem most recently welcomed Niall de Burca, an Irish storyteller known for his captivating narratives. His residency provided students with a unique cultural experience, enhancing their understanding of storytelling and its impact on language learning as well as opportunities to bring our faculty and community together.

These residencies collectively underline Prem’s commitment to a progressive educational philosophy, preparing students as innovative, empathetic, and socially responsible future leaders. The work we have undertaken in the last few months has been a celebration of the transformative power of arts and cultural learning, aligning perfectly with global educational trends and recommendations and demonstrating our commitment to nurturing the whole human through joyful and effective learning.

For more detailed insights into these enriching artistic collaborations, visit Prem International School - Artist Residency Thailand.

Alex Soulsby FRSA Creative Director

PREMIER EVENTS

Grade 5 Camp Grade 5 went to Mok Fa Waterfall for camp.

to bed. We sang songs (Tiny Pork, Angry Pigeon and Penguins.) Once we woke up, we packed our bags and started our journey to the waterfall.

We painted the majestic waterfall as it collided with the rocks. We then started heading back to Prem where we had lunch. This experience wouldn’t be possible without the Traidhos staff. A special thanks to teacher Amy for making this special experience possible for all of grade 5 (Alix Snyder & Alison Thompson) ​​​​ ​​

We did painting, cooking, exploring, and many other fun activities.

Grade 5 was lucky to experience these wonderful two days and one night. We started on campus learning about sustainable technologies. We learned about solar energy and participated in an activity in which we created our very own state-of-the-art, solar-powered pizza box ovens. We got on the vans and departed the school. We went to a restaurant and had family-styled food.

We then started to travel to the Mok Fa waterfall campsite. These were just some of the exciting activities. We cooked our dinner and breakfast which contained hamburgers, eggs, and sausages.

We created a campfire and roasted marshmallows before going ​​​

Maleeya, Kaokwan, Masha Grade 5 (Alix Snyder)

Celebrating Prem’s 2023 Winter Wonderland!

Presented by the PSC (Parents School Community), the event was an absolute blast as our community indulged in a culinary journey featuring delectable Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Western delights.

Carnival games, sweet treats, photo booths, snowball fights – we enjoyed it all! The Winter Wonderland Concert was a true highlight, and together, we counted down to the magical lighting of the Prem Christmas Tree!

Huge thanks to all the vendors and student body groups that contributed to making this event extraordinary!

Will Langston Head Digital Media

P U L S E 23

PREMIER EVENTS

Fantastic Festival of Super Science

Our Junior School was buzzing with excitement as we hosted the annual Fantastic Festival of Super Science!

Grades 4 and 5 were joined by enthusiastic participants from Grade 2, Grade 3, and IEP. Our young scientists dove into the world of exploration, each creating a testable question, following through with procedures, and documenting their results.

Witnessing their growth and curiosity was truly heartwarming! From sharing their processes to their exciting discoveries, these scientists embraced the spirit of inquiry and risk-taking. Check out some snapshots from the event and join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of our scientists!

Will Langston Head Digital Media

Music Academy Concert:

A Celebration of

Creativity A big thank you and congratulations to all the incredible students who showcased their musical talents at the Music Academy Concert! Their performances were truly delightful, and it was evident that each student put in dedicated practice and preparation for this special event.

For those experiencing their first concert – incredible job! Embrace those initial performance jitters, and remember, this is just the beginning. To our seasoned performers, thank you for continuing to share the joy of your musical journey. Take a moment to reflect on ‘what went well’ and ‘even better if’ as you gear up for the next concert. Keep shining, musicians!

Well done everyone!

Chris Johnson Director Music Academy

24 P U L S E

PREMIER EVENTS

Lighting of the Tree Ceremony

The magical “Lighting of the Tree” ceremony at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, in collaboration with Prem International School, was an enchanting kickoff to the Christmas season!

The event featured 24 talented students from Drama and Music Production Exploria, along with the incredible performances by three professional string musicians and one pianist.

A big shoutout to our dedicated teachers Ian Johnston and Christopher Johnson for guiding and inspiring these young performers. Thank you to everyone who joined us in spreading festive cheer and creating unforgettable memories and thank you Anantara for hosting!

Will Langston Head Digital Media

P U L S E 25

PREMIER EVENTS

Another Successful

of traditional music, providing a melodic backdrop to the artistic endeavours.

Day of the Dead

Festivities

at Prem

Imagine a vibrant burst of colours and laughter echoing through the Junior School Piazza as students embarked on a journey to explore a cultural celebration not commonly found in their Thai surroundings— the Day of the Dead. In this lively adventure, children had the chance to unravel the mysteries surrounding the concept of death, discovering its diverse interpretations across cultures.

As proud members of an IB school, the learning experience transcended traditional boundaries. Picture tiny hands eagerly kneading dough for the symbolic Pan de Muertos, while young minds delved into the world of symmetry through the creation of intricate papel picados. The kiln process of crafting sugar skulls became a fascinating lesson in science and art, and the cherry on top? A colossal sugar skull piñata, a masterpiece born from recycled and reused materials, swinging proudly in the school’s midst.

The festivities reached their peak with the gracious presence of Tona’s family from Mexico, who generously shared the richness of their culture. Children transformed into living canvases as their faces were adorned with vibrant paint, reminiscent of the colourful traditions they were embracing. Meanwhile, the air resonated with the tunes

26 P U L S E

Clay sugar skulls took shape under the skilled fingers of young sculptors, each piece a testament to creativity and cultural exchange. Watercolour paintings captured the essence of the celebration, a kaleidoscope of emotions reflecting the beauty of life and remembrance. Amidst the joyful chaos, parents sipped coffee and indulged in pastries from the student-run Koze, adding a touch of community and collaboration to the mix.

The Junior School Piazza transformed into a haven of gratitude and love, a mosaic of cultures woven together. As the Day of the Dead festivities unfolded, the community grew closer, bound by the shared experience of celebrating life, love, and the rich tapestry of human connections. It was not just an event; it was a magical moment etched in the hearts of all who gathered, a testament to the power of unity and cultural appreciation.

Wendy Mills Grade 1 Teacher

PREMIER EVENTS

Premathlon!

Hundreds of students, staff, and parents came together to celebrate Founder’s Day at our annual Premathlon. This marked the second year that Premathlon has not only raised money for a chosen external charity partner (such as this year’s was Doctors Without Borders & Save the Children), but it marks an increase in visibility of over ten of our own incredible student-led charities. We thank everyone who stopped by, learned about the good work our students are doing, and donated through either cash or by purchasing something from these student stands. Between the race entry fees, raffles, and food sold at the event, our community raised an impressive 70,000+ baht! Imagine how much good we can do with your kind generosity!

We’d like to also sincerely thank every single community member who participated and donated to the day from a House perspective.

The cooler temperatures meant that it was a great day for cheering on our students in the many different races they participated in.

Congratulations to everyone who crossed the finish line and an extra GREAT JOB to all who placed on the podium to earn additional points for their Houses. We can all make such a profound difference when we come together and support each other!

Video Link Trisha Pospisil Head of Houses Coordinator (SS), Language A Curriculum Leader, EE Coordinator

Happy Loy Krathong!

As with most of the festivals in Thailand, Loy Krathong is about giving thanks and offering praise to the goddess of the river. This festival is often held around the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar. It is believed that at this time the rivers are fullest and the moon is the brightest.

The word “Loy” means “float.” A “krathong” is a small, decorative float made primarily from banana leaves. The krathong is typically adorned with flowers, candles, incense sticks, and sometimes coins or small offerings. This act symbolises letting go of negative emotions and paying respect to the water spirits.

Loy Krathong this year was celebrated on the night of Monday, 27 November. This also coincides with Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival which took place 26 and 27 November, 2023.

Yi Peng (sometimes written as Yee Peng) is a traditional Lanna festival that takes place in Northern Thailand. During the festival, participants launch paper lanterns called Khom Loi into the sky. Hence, it’s sometimes called the Lantern Festival or the Festival of Light. The act of releasing the lantern called Khom Loi symbolises letting go of bad luck and misfortunes from the past year and wishing for good luck in the coming year.

The Thai department organised the Loy Krathong Festival for the Prem community on 27 November. Students had an opportunity to make their own Krathong. Students and teachers were encouraged to wear the traditional Thai clothes during the Krathong making.

It was a wonderful experience to celebrate Loy Krathong here, at Prem and we look forward to representing Thai culture in future events on campus.

Sukanya [Boo] Charpentier Thai Principal

P U L S E 27

PREMIER EVENTS

Networking Event at the Shangri-La

Prem’s Halloween

We hope you had a spook-tacular time at the 2023 Prem Halloween! Our Student Council members joined forces with the PSC to bring you an unforgettable Halloween community event.

Creative costumes transformed the campus, and fun-filled activities brought smiles to faces of all ages. Laughter and joy echoed through the afternoon, with a few screams and giggles coming from the pop-up Haunted House!

This is another fantastic example of the Prem community coming together to create cherished memories. Check out the fantastic snapshots from our Halloween party, where ghouls and ghosts came together for a fang-tastic evening!

Will Langston Head of Digital Media

28 P U L S E

Video Link

was A Spook-tacular

Success!

PREMIER EVENTS Teachers, parents and associates of Prem joined together to network, share business ideas and enjoy an evening together. Prem holds business networking events throughout the year to connect with a variety of businesses in the Chiang Mai community as a potential extension of Prem’s educational programs.

As part of this event, the Grade 11 and 12 IBCP students participated to develop their networking, greeting and hospitality skills. Students greeted guests as they arrived, staffed the registration desk and learnt how to start and maintain business conversations. This gives them an opportunity to develop valuable skills that are difficult to develop within the school environment. Join us to see our students in action as well as to connect with businesses from Chiang Mai’s community at large.

Dr. Emma Shaw IBDP ESS IBCP Coordinator CAS/SL Coordinator WWF Eco Schools Coordinator

Junior School

Music’s

Vibrant

Journey

In the enchanting realm of our Junior School Music lessons, a symphony of creativity and learning played on. The students’ musical journey unfolded in diverse and exciting ways, resulting in a harmonious blend of knowledge and fun. We proudly present three recent captivating articles that capture the essence of our musical journey. Each article provides a unique window into the world of our students as they explored the realms of music and culture.

“Spook-tacular Halloween Fun in Junior School Music Classroom!”

“G5 Musical Highlight!”

But the adventure didn’t end there! After successfully revealing the composer’s secrets, students were off to the next challenge – searching for hidden, invisible rhythmic patterns concealed throughout the Music classroom. It was an exhilarating journey through music and mystery, keeping our young learners thoroughly engaged.

Our G5 students are embarking on an exciting musical journey. They are learning the new instrument that they chose this year, which is ukulele. They are learning how to strum, play chords and later learn to sing a Spanish song. What makes this journey even more special is that we had two wonderful Spanish guests, teachers Tona and Carla, who not only taught us how to sing a Spanish song with proper pronunciation but also shared valuable insights into their language and culture. Our goal was not just to sing a Spanish song but to gain a deeper understanding of the rich culture it represents through firsthand experiences. We applied what we learned on ukulele with chords and strumming patterns and gained a better understanding about the song in Spanish.

“Cultural Celebration Unites students in Vibrant Junior School Assembly”

This Halloween week in our Junior School Music classroom was truly a musical spook-tacular! Our students had a fantastic time participating in a unique and thrilling activity known as the ‘Composer Graveyard.’ The Music classroom underwent a magical transformation into a graveyard adorned with tombstones. Our brave students embarked on a scavenger hunt to uncover the musical secrets hidden within the tombstones of legendary composers, including Bach, Mozart, Wagner, Beethoven, Beach, Grieg, Still, and Saint-Saens. Armed with flashlights, they scoured the room for clues and information about these eight music composers.

Our youngest learners, the Early Years students, had a delightful time exploring spooky scarf movements set to hauntingly beautiful music and learning the song “Pass the Pumpkin” while also mastering the art of maintaining a steady beat in the music. These special Halloween activities made learning music a truly enjoyable experience for our students!

Pao Pao Junior School Music Teacher

In collaboration with the Cultural Celebration unit in G1, the Music and G1 LOTE Chinese class came together to present a vibrant showcase “The Moon Cake” song during the Junior School Assembly. Under the guidance of teacher Peter, this performance featured musical accompaniment by teacher Pao Pao on the piano.

Additionally, non-Chinese students added their unique touch by skillfully playing the boomwhackers, which they learned from teachers Pao Pao and Susie in Music lessons.

Chinese students further enriched the presentation by dancing and singing to the song and performing a skit that had been meticulously prepared by teacher Peter. Their efforts contributed to a memorable showcase highlighting the diversity and talents within our school community.

P U L S E 29

PREMIER EVENTS

Prem AARemarkable Remarkable College Fair at Prem: Community Event

We were thrilled to host eleven schools from ChiangMai and ChiangRai, and the atmosphere was simply fantastic! This 100 colleges and universities fair was a true community event, where students, parents, and representatives came together for an unforgettable experience.

The variety and quality of institutions, along with the diverse range of seminars, provided invaluable insights for all attendees. The opportunity to have face-to-face conversations with university representatives was a highlight, ensuring that students and parents left with smiles on their faces.

Sandra Thompson Communications and Community Outreach

Celebrating Success: Prem Symphonic Band Fundraising Concert!

We were treated to an incredible performance by our talented students at the Prem Symphonic Band Fundraising Concert. The concert was nothing short of amazing, and their musical prowess left us in awe. Under the guidance of our dedicated Music Teacher, Laurent, the students played beautifully, showcasing their hard work and commitment to their craft.

But that’s not all! The funds raised from this event will be added to a pool dedicated to supporting future PSB events, festivals, and retreats. This will ensure that the music continues to fill our hearts and souls in the days to come.

The concert featured pieces from the Bangkok and Chiang Mai International Band Festivals, demonstrating the world-class talent that exists right here at Prem. We’re incredibly proud of our students and their extraordinary achievements.

Will Langston Head Digital Media

30 P U L S E

PREMIER EVENTS

Swim Panthers!

The CMAC Senior School Swim Meet, held at PREM was a great day for all in the pool. With swimmers from 12 schools in attendance, Prem finished second overall in points, with many individual and medley races won by Prem swim team members.

Well done to everyone who took part this year!

Adam Copus Co-Athletics Director

Congratulations to Prem JS Swim Team

Members JS Swimmers had a great day in the pool at the CMAC JS Swim Meet at NIS finishing in 3rd place overall with 320 points total. PREM swimmers at this event were supportive of one another, energetic, and excited with their efforts and results.

Thank you to teachers March, Sam, Fah, Yuwadee, & Kelly for coaching the JS Swim Team. Great job everybody!

Adam Copus Co-Athletics Director

P U L S E 31

PREMIER EVENTS

What’s brewing at Prem?! Say hello to ‘Kozé Café,’ the pop-up coffee haven brought to you by our IBCP student-led enterprise - Local Prem Coffee. Every Wednesday morning break time, Kozé Café serves up the perfect blend of cold brew coffee drinks, freshly baked croissants, tempting cinnamon rolls, and delectable Siamaya chocolate. Come savour the flavour and support our enterprising students!

Will Langston Head Digital Media

1,000 Visitors on Traidhos Campus Over the Traidhos Team delights to share the highlights of our most bustling summer school break yet, as we warmly hosted over 1,000 visitors, including students, parents, and educators from across the globe at the Traidhos Campus. Our campus played host to an impressive array of 26 Traidhos camp programs, 4 Visiting School Programs (VSP), and a Teacher Conference.

From June to August, Traidhos Camp offered an array of camp programs to cater to diverse interests. These ranged from the Junior Day Camps and English & Activity Residential Camps to Themed Residential Camps, Customised Camps, Family Camps and an English Camp designed specifically for Thai School. Our campers revelled in a wide spectrum of outdoor activities, which encompassed farming, arts and crafts,

32 P U L S E

PREMIER EVENTS

House e Team Building Assembly

Here are a few more of our favourite moments from the House Team Building Assembly! From spirited cheers to exciting challenges, it was a day filled with unity and enthusiasm. Looking forward to more memorable experiences ahead!

Will Langston Head Digital Media

Summer School Break!! games, sports, cooking, mindfulness, science experiments, and engaging field trips. It was a true pleasure to witness the boundless enthusiasm of our campers, and we are confident that they will regale their friends and families with tales of their remarkable experiences at Traidhos Camp.

During the same period, our Visiting School Program (VSP) welcomed four groups of students from Travel For Teens USA. Travel For Teens USA has been a long-standing partner of our VSP, dedicated to inspiring middle and high school travellers by offering them an authentic and enriching travel experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Our VSP provided these young travellers with a distinctive immersive learning and cultural encounter. Activities included visits to an elephant sanctuary, explorations of Karen villages, community service initiatives, jungle cooking adventures, and hikes. This exchange of cultures, histories, and languages between the young travellers and the local communities fostered bonds and granted the Travel For Teens USA participants a broader global perspective through their Chiang Mai experiences.

Furthermore, Traidhos played a significant role in the Teacher Conference by facilitating Thai culture and local wisdom activities for Chiang Mai’s educators.

This proved to be a valuable and enriching experience for all the teachers involved.

Lastly, we are thrilled to announce that our Community Market returned with resounding success, thanks to the unwavering support of our students, parents, and teachers. The market featured both new and familiar vendors, offering an even wider selection of organic and locally sourced specialties to our community.

Lynda Rolph Head of Community

P U L S E 33

PREMIER EVENTS

Faculty

House Teams

Prem International Faculty came together as the Water, Fire, Air, and Earth teams for a thrilling team building event. Through exciting activities and shared laughter, we’ve forged new bonds and spirit for the exciting journey ahead—the first day of school.

Let’s make this year a sensational success together!

Will Langston Head Digital Media

Senior School

Sunrise

Due to the Thai Military Training taking place in the first two weeks of term, Grade 12 had their official “Senior Sunrise” trip at the end of August. This newly established tradition at Prem sees the whole grade level go up to Mon Jam to watch the sun rise on their last ever first day of school. There was some leeway this year as it was not, strictly speaking, the first day, but it felt more meaningful to have all of our seniors up there. We began the event on Wednesday evening with a shared meal around a campfire and an emphatic banning of the words that will dominate their Grade 12 lives, “Extended Essay, Internal Assessment, Exams and Summatives”. This helped to establish a relaxed atmosphere for the full experience. At 4:50 a.m. on Thursday, the students were awake and ready without a grumble and we headed to the mountain in the dark, accompanied by the homeroom teachers Mark Bosworth and Claire Gordon as well as by teacher Sam. These students will need to rely on each other this year, and this event allows them to strengthen relationships that will support their journey through Grade 12. It was a pleasure to accompany them, and I am excited to guide them through the ups and downs of this year.

Abbie Neall Assistant Principal (Academic) IB Diploma Coordinator

34 P U L S E

PREMIER EVENTS

Prem’s The Amazing CMAC Faculty

e c a R

Cross Country

Meet was a

success!

We’re thrilled to share the incredible highlights of our recent staff team building event, “The Amazing Race,” hosted by the dynamic trio: Trisha, Katie, and Bobby!

Prem’s CMAC Cross Country Meet united schools across Chiang Mai for an exhilarating run through our stunning campus and Traidos Farm! Students from various age groups showcased their passion for running amidst nature’s beauty. Cheers to all participants for making it an unforgettable event!

Will Langston Head Digital Media

This event was a perfect blend of joy, learning, and community. As we raced around the breathtaking green landscapes, this event allowed us to forge bonds with important individuals across our school family. We celebrated unity, diversity, and the shared vision that makes Prem International School so special.

Will Langston Head Digital Media

P U L S E 35

PREMIER EVENTS

First Week of Exploria

What a great first week of Exploria it’s been here at Prem! Exploria, Prem’s extracurricular activities program, offers over 40 activities per session for junior school and senior school students! These activities range from sports to creative Explorias that utilise all sorts of mediums such as photography, crochet, painting, music, and more.

“The Exploria team would like to say a big thank you to all of these teachers and outside providers for their dedication to the growth of our students, and thank you to the parents for your support and suggestions!”

The Exploria Team

First PSC Coffee

Meet Up

of the Year!

Parents came together for our first PSC Coffee Meetup and shared warm conversations, laughter, and insights! Meeting fellow parents and connecting with our passionate ambassadors set the stage for a year filled with support, community, and shared experiences. Here’s to fostering friendships and building a strong Prem family!

PSC Team

36 P U L S E

PREMIER EVENTS

The Whole

School

Reached Out

During the summer break, teachers Jang and Noina represented the Thai department at a workshop where they served as both participants and workshop leaders. The event featured 33 workshop leaders and drew over 190 Thai educators from international schools across the country, and it was organised by “The Thai Teacher’s Meet Group”.

Teacher Jang led a workshop that focused on authentic assessment, while teacher Noina conducted a workshop with a focus on Teaching Thai for Non-Thai students. This proved to be a valuable experience for us as we had the opportunity to share our expertise with fellow Thai educators, fostering collaboration in areas such as active learning, pedagogical strategies, and the integration of technology.

Noina Renuka Thai Teacher

Prem’s

Fall Classic A weekend full of football action at the PREM Fall Classic! THANK YOU to our dedicated organiser Lee for making it all happen. Special thanks to our fantastic football coaches, Luke, Kirk, March, Fah, Max, and Sandeep, who ensured two days of thrilling matches under the sun. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to cheer and support our talented players!

Max Bruck Exploria and IT Admin, Math Teacher

P U L S E 37

PREMIER EVENTS

Happy Founder’s Day,

Prem Community!

We honoured the visionary behind our stunning campus and thriving learning community, Founder Mom Luang Tridhosyuth Devakul, fondly known as Mom Tri. With a master’s degree in architecture from Harvard, Mom Tri’s brilliance shaped our inspiring environment. We took a moment to express our gratitude for the beauty and excellence he has brought to Prem. Thank you, Mom Tri, for fostering a place of growth, learning, and community.

Will Langston Head Digital Media

38 P U L S E

Video Link

Video Link

PREMIER EVENTS

TWO Action Packed Days at

Prem’s

Sports Day! Hats off to everyone who joined to cheer on their Houses and inspire our students to reach new heights!

Your enthusiasm made every round and activity unforgettable.

A heartfelt thank you for making it an epic event filled with fun, fitness, and fierce competition!

Special thanks to Max Bruck for his lovely photo contribution!

Will Langston Head Digital Media

Celebrating the kickoff

of the season

with a fantastic

! h c t ma

U12 Girls secured a remarkable 2-0 victory against Grace International School, with goals from Yanki & Alicia!

U12 Boys fought valiantly, ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with goals from Tan & Isaac!

A stellar start for both teams in their first game of the season!

Will Langston Head Digital Media

P U L S E 39

PREMIER EVENTS

CMAC Season 1 Football Update!

Throughout this CMAC Season 1 it has been a pleasure to watch our oldest Football players take to the field each week for spirited training and hard working matches against all of the other opponents in Chiang Mai and beyond. In this season we have seen a Girls team win the PREM Fall Classic Invitational tournament, many CMAC wins, draws, & losses, and some superb individual efforts. The U20 Boys team were finalists in the tournament that the girls won. Just yesterday U20 players Kauani & Lanna each scored a “Hat-trick” (3 goals in one game) in their respective games vs the Grace Tigers.

As the season concludes for these U20/U16 players, but the school year continues, we look forward to seeing the many other ways these student-athletes will choose to continue to dedicate themselves to sport & healthy lifestyles at PREM Adam Copus Co-Athletics Director

PSC Ambassador and Grade Gatherings for the New School Year The Parent School Community (PSC) consists of almost 30 dedicated parent volunteers who help support the Prem Community. Many of these volunteers are the PSC Ambassadors who are an essential element in helping to strengthen the Prem Community. PSC Ambassadors each support and manage a total of 15 Grade Groups and 3 Cultural Groups (Chinese, Thai and Korean). One of the activities of a Grade Ambassador is to suggest or assist with gatherings at the beginning and occasionally throughout the year for their Group.

Jenese Thorup is a longstanding parent and experienced Grade Ambassador of many years. She organised an amazing buffet dinner at Chez Phillipe last week for Grade 11 families. Christina Liu, an active Grade 6 Ambassador and now in her 2nd year as a Prem parent, invited her Grade group for an introductory lunch at Pawtel Hotel Restaurant. Grade 3 parents met this week at Sala Cafe for breakfast and have now appointed two parents to share the role of Grade 3 Ambassador. Thank you to Gay and to Silvia Natale for volunteering to help support their Grade group.

Please listen out for more Grade and Cultural gatherings and consider helping your child, homeroom teacher and parents in your grade by acting or assisting a PSC Ambassador.

If you have any questions, suggestions, feedback or are interested in learning more, please contact your PSC Ambassador or write to pscchairperson@ptis. ac.th.

Parent School Community (PSC) Team

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PREMIER EVENTS

A night of musical enchantment at the Prem Symphonic Band Gala!

We celebrated the finale of our first season under Mr. Laurent’s direction. Thank you all for joining us for a magical evening filled with delightful musical surprises and delicious canapes!

Will Langston Head Digital Media

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PRODIGIOUS PANTHERS

Giving the

Gift of Life!

For my Personal Project, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with The Thai Red Cross in an impactful initiative at Prem. We organised and hosted a blood drive on campus.

Remarkably, this drive was the first blood drive in Chiang Mai to welcome back donors from the UK! These donors were deferred for about thirty years, but this restriction has been lifted. It’s fascinating to note that a larger percentage of the Western population has a blood type that is considered rare in Thailand, emphasising the critical need for diverse donors. I extend my gratitude to the teachers, parents, students, and community members who donated at this event. Looking ahead, we are eager to organise more blood drives. I invite you all to join us again to Give the Gift of Life!

Sophia M. Grade 10

GRADE 9 ACHIEVES SUMMIT IN ADVENTUROUS INTERNATIONAL AWARD JOURNEY

Grade 9 students reached the pinnacle of their International Award journey by conquering Doi Pui’s summit, standing tall at 1685 metres above sea level in just two days and one night. Their unwavering spirit and commitment to this endeavour shone through as they exhibited self-sufficiency by preparing their own meals and bearing the load of team gear and tents. Amidst the dense jungle, they camped at Suthep Campsite, basking in the breathtaking sight of the city’s lights below.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to teachers Ambika, Mark and Ian for ensuring students’ safety during this remarkable adventure. Along the way, students journeyed through culturally rich sites, passing by Wat Palat, a hidden jungle temple, and Wat Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the city. The students’ journey commenced at 300 metres above sea level, making it one of the most realistic and challenging adventures they have experienced.

Tonatiuh Peña Arriaga Forest School and Outdoor Learning Coordinator

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PRODIGIOUS PANTHERS Celebrating Success

Gabriel C. Learning Leadership at Prem!

within the top 50,000 Gabriel, a senior at Prem, placed n). Congratulations, millio 1.5 of (out rs take PSAT test Gabriel! n from the National “I received a Letter of Commendatio The PSAT is a ram.

Prog Merit Scholarship (NMS) widely used for test a SAT, the of ion vers ry prelimina in 2022 (when I year Last US. the college admissions in out of 1520, 1440 ed was in grade 11) I took it and scor ents who stud of e entil perc 99th the on which placed me by the used also is test take this test (top 1%). This scholarships give to ents stud ct sele to ram NMS prog a series of tests where for, though it does this through my high score, I placed the PSAT is the first one. Due to rs (out of 1.5 million) take test T PSA 00 within the top 50,0 commendation to of r lette and as a result received a rmance on the perfo t ellen “exc my for me ate congratul PSAT” Gabriel C. Grade 12

We welcomed 60 master’s degree students specialising in Educational Administration from Far Eastern University. Their mission? To explore the intricacies of international school management.

Thai Principal Boo conducted an engaging presentation, offering valuable insights into our school’s unique approach and expertise. Additionally, students had the opportunity to actively participate in leadership workshops, fostering a spirit of growth and collaboration.

We’re thrilled to have shared our knowledge with these future educational leaders and look forward to contributing to the global advancement of education.

Will Langston Head Digital Media

MUSICAL SUCCESS FOR

PREM STUDENT Prem International School continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing talents, especially in the realm of music. A testament to this commitment is the remarkable success of one of our students, Daisy from Grade 4.

Daisy has showcased a profound passion for music from a very young age. Last October, she secured second place in the renowned ABRSM piano competition held in Bangkok. The ABRSM, a globally recognized institution, is designed to inspire and challenge developing musicians, offering a spectrum of assessments for all levels.

Building on her success, Daisy received the highest accolade for Best Piano Performance at the 3rd Thailand Music Festival for Young Artists. She’s not stopping there; Daisy is also gearing up to participate in the final round of a classical music piano competition in Singapore this coming August.

Her parents attribute Daisy’s impressive achievements to the enriching musical environment provided at Prem, especially through the ongoing work of our Music Academy. Expressing their gratitude, they noted, “We truly believe that these milestones Daisy reached are closely tied to the nurturing environment at Prem.”

It’s stories like Daisy’s that remind us of the power of a supportive and enriching educational environment and the myriad of opportunities that exist on our campus for our students and wider community. At Prem we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every child gets the chance to shine in their unique way and wish Daisy every continued success.

For more information about our Music Academy, please contact Chris Johnson dirmusic@ptis.ac.th Alex Soulsby Creative Director

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PRODIGIOUS PANTHERS

BANGKOK

INTERNATIONAL BAND FESTIVAL

11 students from the Woodwind/Brass/Percussion sections of our Prem Symphonic Band were invited, along with 11 other schools from the region, to take part in the Bangkok International Band Festival held at International School Bangkok. The +- 200 students first took part in sectional and dress rehearsals, and then ended the Festival with a Gala concert of the utmost quality.

From our very first day back to school, the students involved in the festival demonstrated true commitment, resilience, and collaboration.

Practising four extremely demanding pieces in less than two weeks was not an easy feat, but they certainly rose to the challenge.

Under the guidance of our guest conductor, Dr Heidi Johanna Miller (Conductor of the Wind Symphony, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music @ Gustavus Adolphus College, Minnesota, USA), the students transformed the pieces to a level of professionalism rarely reached before.

But do not take my word for it, you can watch the entire concert here https://vimeo.com/event/3681819 Moreover, here are some students’ quotes that summarise the essence of their personal experience: This was my first band festival and it was one of the most memorable events of my life! I had a really great time getting to know people and spending time with my bandmates, as well as working together to get the pieces to be the best they could. The sound of so many passionate young musicians playing in the same place really blew me away, and it was such an incredible experience to be part of it.

Harmony, G8 I can’t say I didn’t enjoy a moment of my experience participating in the festival. I absolutely loved being able to perform and connect with people that had similar interests to me, and to have the opportunity to focus solely on music for two days. I have learned so much, both socially and musically, and I can’t wait until I get to do it again in a year’s time.

Andreas, G11 Finally, I would like to thank all the students for making this festival a truly transformative and enriching experience. I would also like to thank Teacher Susie (JS music TA) for accepting to be our chaperone and supporting everyone throughout the trip.

Musically yours, Laurent Chiarelli Arts Curriculum Leader Head of Music Department MYP/DP Music Teacher

ABRSM DISTINCTION AWARD

FOR IVEN, GRADE 5 We are thrilled to announce yet another remarkable achievement for the Music Academy! Join us in celebrating Iven’s exceptional success in passing Grade 5 Theory with a well-deserved distinction from ABRSM. Our Music Academy continues to shine as a hub of excellence, fostering music talents as well as enabling our students to develop into well rounded individuals by having fun with their music making.

These international awards, such as the ABRSM, are recognized by universities around the world and are excellent personal achievements for your personal statements. Either way, these awards open doors to countless opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of our success story and enhance your personal profile.

Enrol in the Music Academy today and embark on a journey of fun music making within a structured framework to achieve international awards.

Chris Johnson Director Music Academy

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PRODIGIOUS PANTHERS

PREM AT

THE WORLD’S

SCHOLAR’S CUP GLOBAL ROUND

HITTING

IN BANGKOK!

THE HIGH NOTES

PREM ACADEMY OF MUSIC

CONTINUES WITH

ANANTARA’S ‘THE YOUNG ARTIST AWARD’ We are thrilled to continue with the ‘Young Artists’ Award’, a celebration of exceptional musical talent that has unfolded over the past few weeks in a new creative partnership with Anantara Chiang Mai and the Prem Music Academy. Following an inspiring selection process, which included a panel of judges led by K. Chin (GM Anantara Chiang Mai) and teacher Christopher Johnson (Director of Prem Music Academy), the selected students performed throughout the month of September at the prestigious 5-star Anantara Chiang Mai from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. The musical performances incorporated a diverse array of musical styles and genres with students from all sections of the school showcasing their remarkable talents set against the backdrop of this exquisite location during the serving of an equally exquisite ‘5 star’ afternoon tea.

Our senior school had the honour of sending six talented students to ld and 16 silver medals. Their outstanding achievements have even earned them a spot in the final round, the Tournament of Champions, scheduled to be held at Yale University in November.

As their supervisor, I take great pride in their accomplishments and would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us throughout this incredible journey. Special thanks are due to Teacher Rachel (Head of School) and Senior School Principal Teacher Shaun for their unwavering support.

We wholeheartedly encourage our secondary students to consider participating in future World Scholar’s Cup events, as it offers a challenging yet immensely enjoyable experience that can broaden their horizons and test their intellectual mettle.

Dr. Ambika Subrahmanya DP Business & Economics Teacher

Chris Johnson Director Music Academy

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PRESTIGIOUS ALUMNI

Daniel Castillo BA English, University College of London Class of 2023

Excelling in the IB, regardless of its stature, is really only a way of being considered by Universities. To get in, to triumph, to relish in meeting your goals, requires a story, a story which to me was best told at Prem. Somewhat secluded in Mae Rim’s canopy, the nature of Prem was connection. My learning was not just lessons or units, but conversations with teachers outside the classroom, afterschool activities to express my interests in politics or sport, and the projects which now define my academic thought. It’s hard to see Prem teachers as anything short of mentors; there was always more help available, you could always learn beyond the units. How much you wanted to know was always in your hands, there were no limits, just deadlines, and all the teachers would make sure you met those. I would scoff at Prem’s motto of “Three Generations” as I only cared about grades and events for my CV. Yet now at UCL, the motto is appropriate and inspiring. The ideas I was able to plant at Prem’s discussion-rich environment are no longer just clarifications after class or book recommendations by teachers and friends, but the very pillars upon which my academic career stands. First generation thoughts are second generation realities, and perhaps third generation wisdom. I’m not sure, but I’m excited to find out because at Prem I didn’t just learn how to study but also how to be willing to grow.

Daniel Castillo Class of 2023

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Aaron

PRESTIGIOUS ALUMNI

Engineering student, Electrical Engineer and Media Lead at TeamArrow Racing Association, Vice president of Griffith Engineering & Electronics Club

Rauner Class of 2022

a solar car racing team competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. Often described as the Formula 1 of solar racing, teams from around the world compete to engineer some of the world’s best solar-powered cars that cross the 3,000 km Australian

outback powered purely by the sun, over approximately 5 days.

Teams develop incredibly innovative solutions where the smallest advantage can mean winning a position, such as 3D printed weightsaving titanium components, experimental solar cell technology, all the way to rotating a wheel by a singular degree to lower rolling resistance.

TeamArrow operates on a relatively modest budget, compared to the leading teams with funding in the millions, forcing us to do more with less. With the race approaching fast and an entire solar car to be finished with a limited budget, limited team members, and a very real risk of being unable to complete the car and pass scrutineering in time (which many did fall victim to), we still decided to try and take the chance. After many sleepless nights, questionable quantities of caffeine, and the most incredibly, shockingly resilient and driven team members I have ever witnessed, we rolled onto the starting line by what seemed to be a miracle and started making our way across the 3000 km journey.

The event is about more than just solar racing; it’s a hotspot where some of the brightest minds learn to build something very complex with limited time and funding, explaining why companies totalling US$2.5 Trillion have been involved with big names like Tesla sending out recruiters. It’s neat to think of how cofounders of companies like Google and Tesla have competed in their earlier years, along with members that have gone to work for Tesla, SpaceX, Formula 1 teams, Boeing, Airbus, Gilmour space, CERN, and more.

I remember watching a documentary on YouTube called ‘Lightspeed’ (which I highly recommend) a few years back which followed the world solar challenge, never in my wildest dreams imagining I could compete in it myself.

While reflecting on my 15 years at Prem, I realise the significance it had in shaping my journey into the person I am today. It helped foster my overall personal, academic, intellectual, and sometimes physical growth (thanks to the beep tests). The collective support of the teachers and Prem community ultimately led me to pursue engineering, a difficult and consequential decision I initially found quite daunting (namely with mathematics) but has proven to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Fast forward to October 2023, where I proudly represent TeamArrow,

In closing, I reflect on the advice I have received from the teachers at Prem that helped me gain the courage to pursue engineering, where the main lesson I have acquired is one I would like to share: to take the leap. To do the scary or daunting things, even if it means struggling and stumbling over and over again, as there is growth with each experience which acts as stepping stones to your personal success, whatever that may mean for you.

Aaron Rauner Class of 2022

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PRESTIGIOUS ALUMNI

Rico Kyaw Class of 2015

Thanaid Voogel Class of 2014

I had the wonderful opportunity to finish my last year of high school as a boarder at Prem. Even though it was a short experience, it was a memorable one and certainly the best I’ve ever had. From the first day, I was welcomed by a beautiful and respectful community in PREM. Prem taught me so much more than the excellent curriculum it offers. Prem taught me respect, discipline, and much more.

PREM offered me the opportunity to grow as an individual both in my education and in life in general. I graduated in 2014 and reached out in 2023 to pay a visit. Much has changed/developed in the sense of the facilities. However, the beautiful sense of community I felt instantly has stayed the same.

I am eternally grateful to have attended PREM, and wish I could have done so earlier. Thank you for everything!

Thanaid Voogel Class of 2014

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PRESTIGIOUS ALUMNI I graduated with the Class of 2015 from Prem and I am still in disbelief that it’s been eight years since then. After Prem, I moved to the UK where I completed my BA in Media & Communications at the University of West London. Returning to Myanmar in 2019, I started my career in Marketing & Communications after joining a small PR agency as an Account Executive. Over the course of four years, I steadily progressed in my career, eventually securing my current position as an Account Manager at the largest creative and media agency in Myanmar. In my current role, I am responsible for overseeing major marketing campaigns for some of the most prominent FMCG brands in the country.

I just want to add here, I am so grateful for the three years I was at Prem. My first time moving abroad to a diverse international boarding school in a completely new country with different cultures really helped me come out of my shell and gave me the confidence to challenge myself. Learning how to be independent and away from close family and friends, is one of the most important lessons Prem has taught me. For this, I will always have a special place for Prem and everyone I met during the three years at Prem.

If any of you ever happen to visit Myanmar, please drop me an email at riccokyaw@gmail.com and I’ll be glad to show you around.

Wishing all of you well in where-ever corner of the world you are.

Rico Kyaw Class of 2015

Charles Bizot

Class of 2010

I spent five years in PTIS as a weekly boarder before graduating in 2010. Back then, I knew I was in a good school because my parents told me I was. I also knew I was in a good boarding facility (even in its debuts) because I was told that I was. Visiting PTIS and the boarding facilities 13 years later was particularly pleasant because I could see this time that I had been lucky to have been here not because I was told that I was, but because 13 years of life experience allows you to have something to compare it with.

After graduating from Prem (Arts Specials), I moved to England to commence design and technology studies in the University of the West of England. I was also a boarder there for a year. Within this year, I understood that I was far from reaching my adult-life goals and that I was going to have to be patient, just like I had told myself in 2005 so far away from graduating. I then moved back to my home city in Paris in 2012 to continue my studies in arts and design. After a strenuous battle with life choices I had to make, I finally found my path and passion in carpentry in 2016. I now have my own business structure and I am my own boss.

Thanks to Prem and Prem boarding, I have learned to be patient. I have learned to focus on the task at hand and to trust that things will come eventually if your will is good. I have also learned that friendship can last a very long time as I am still in contact with multiple good Prem friends even now.

Charles Bizot Class of 2010

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