Si Ri Panya News Highlights (issue 34)
- Nicola Bunchuay
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Jan 16, 2026 - Exploring The World Together
This time of year is always a busy one on Koh Phangan, and there is plenty happening here at Si Ri Panya too. Alongside our ongoing focus on core subjects in the classroom, we have a range of additional topics and events that help ensure a rich and engaging education for our students. We want children to learn, but also to feel happy and enjoy their time with us—and, judging by the smiles we see each day, we are off to a strong start.
In Primary, students have been particularly focused on understanding different religions this week, exploring beliefs and spirituality in class and through school visits. In Secondary, there has been a continued emphasis on Education Outside the Classroom, with pupils taking part in excursions and planning many more.
As well as being enjoyable, these experiences are an important way of connecting classroom learning to the real world—building knowledge, developing skills, and exploring our world together. This is at the heart of why school exists, and we are committed to keeping it central to everything we do.
Spotlight on Year 2 - Art: Mosaic Making & Mosque Visit
As part of our Curriculum Days for RE, Year 2 have been learning about religions and worldviews from around the world, with a focus on developing curiosity, understanding and respect.
This week, Year 2 visited a local mosque to learn more about Islam and to gain an insight into a unique part of our island community. Although the mosque was not in use for prayer at the time of our visit, pupils were able to see how the space is prepared and learn about the routines and respectful practices connected to worship.
The small mosque is located just off the main road to Haad Rin in Ban Kai. A local man visiting the mosque shared an interesting story about the area’s past, explaining that Ban Kai was once home to people living in tent-like structures while searching for gold. He also suggested that “Ban-Kai” may relate to the Thai word khai (ค่าย), meaning a camp or encampment—whether island myth or local history, Year 2 found it fascinating.
During the visit, pupils learned about the washing practices that are required before entering the prayer area, and why cleanliness is an important part of preparation. They also noticed how men and women—or in their case, boys and girls—sit in different places within the building.
They listened to a call to prayer, and we used a compass to see which direction the prayer mats faced—towards Mecca, a holy site for Muslims around the world.
Students also got to see and carefully hold various artefacts, including the Qur’an, which is written in Arabic and read from right to left. They learned about the five daily prayers, and how calls to prayer can echo from mosques around the world—often shared via loudspeakers—so that worshippers know when it is time to pray.
This visit is one part of our broader RE Curriculum Days programme, through which pupils learn about a balanced range of religions and non-religious worldviews, including Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and Humanism.
Back in school, Year 2 continued their learning through Art, creating mosaic designs inspired by patterns, shapes and details they had noticed during the visit.
This provided a meaningful link between RE and creative expression, encouraging pupils to observe closely, work carefully, and take pride in their finished pieces.
Back in school, Year 2 used what they had noticed during the visit as inspiration for Art. They paid close attention to the patterns, shapes and repeated designs found in and around places of worship, and then explored how these can be recreated through mosaic making.
Pupils learned that mosaics—small pieces arranged to form patterns or pictures—have a rich history across the world. From the Romans to the Ancient Greeks, mosaics have decorated important buildings, floors and walls for centuries. Many have been preserved, offering us a fascinating glimpse into the past, and mosaic-style design is still popular today, including in modern architecture and street art.
Year 9 Leaf Printing Workshop
We are lucky to have so many inspiring creative people on Koh Phangan, which allows our students to explore different ways of expressing themselves and making art. This week Year 9 visited Indigo Coral House to take part in a workshop where they learned how to do leaf printing. . It was truly beautiful and a huge success with the kids - the pancakes that appeared at the end were the icing on the cake for them too!
Through Their Lens: Photography Club Exhibition 📸
Our Photography Club meets every Thursday (3:00–4:00pm) for pupils in Years 3–6, and it has been a real highlight of Term 1. With Teacher Simon’s guidance, children have been learning how to notice the small details—light, angles, focus—and turn everyday moments into something worth sharing.
We’re proud to have created a Term 1 exhibition (shown in the photos), now displayed in our school reception area. Please do pop in and take a look whenever you’re passing by—families are very welcome.
There are still a few spaces available for Term 2, and we would love to welcome any new photographers who would like to join. More information and sign-up details can be found here:https://www.siripanya.com/primary-after-school-activities
February Half-Term Holiday Camp: Leaps & Beats Returns
Leaps & Beats Holiday Camp is back this February half-term, offering five lively days of activity, creativity and connection for children aged 5–11.
Running from Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February 2026, each day is carefully planned to give children a balanced mix of sports, arts and crafts, drama, games and team challenges—so there is always something to look forward to, whether your child loves being active, making, performing, or working as part of a team.
Camp details
Location: Si Ri Panya International School
Dates: Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February 2026
Time: 9:00am – 2:45pm
Ages: 5–11 years
Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.👉 Register here
🎥 Video highlights from previous camps: Click here
For questions, please contact leapsandbeats@siripanya.com.
Year 7 Science - Exploring Magnetic Forces
This week, Year 7 students explored how to visualise magnetic fields using iron filings. By carefully sprinkling the filings over paper placed on top of magnets, students were able to observe the hidden patterns created by magnetic forces. This practical activity helped them see how magnetic field lines form distinct shapes around different magnets, deepening their understanding of how magnets work.
The lesson encouraged curiosity, careful observation, and scientific discussion, as students compared patterns and explained their results using scientific language.
Practising A Balanced Lifestyle
In Secondary we have been exploring different ways that we can put this term's Si Ri Panya value of being Balanced into practice. Balance is about making sure that no part of our life takes over or is ignored, which means thinking about what we need to have balance in our physical and mental health as well as in our day-to-day activities.
This week, after a busy week in the classroom, students took time out during assembly to do some colouring in, using worksheets about different emotions and thinking about how colour and feelings are linked. And who doesn't feel better after taking time out to do some colouring in?!
🍎🏆 Teacher’s Day 2025 – Certificates of Excellence
We are proud to share that, on Teacher’s Day 2025, the Suratthani Provincial Office of Education awarded Certificates of Excellence to three members of our team at Si Ri Panya International School:
Ms Jeanne Revest, Head of Secondary
Miss Duangkamon Thongmak (Pam), Thai Language Teacher
Ms Jidarut Chataloed (Kae), Thai Director
Congratulations to Jeanne, Pam and Kae for this well-deserved recognition. Their dedication, care and professionalism make a meaningful difference to our students each day.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to all of our teachers and staff for the commitment you bring to our community and the high-quality education you provide throughout the year.
Key Dates at a Glance
Looking Ahead: Key events and special days for the school year are published on our homepage.
Year 1 September 2026 admissions
See Newsletter Issue 26 for full details
Term 2 Parent & Friend Committee meeting
See Newsletter Issue 33 for full details
🌟 Weekly Reminders
🎂 Birthdays: Primary birthdays (Years 1–6) are now celebrated every Friday at 2:00 p.m. during Enrichment Time. Secondary birthdays (Years 7-11) are celebrated during tutor time.
📖 Library Books: Please check at home for any school library books and return them to either the Primary or Secondary library.
♻️ Bottle Cap Collection: We’re collecting bottle caps for our Precious Plastic Project. Collection point outside the primary gate. Find out more about this exciting long-term project here: Precious Plastic Phangan Facebook.
🐞 Head Lice Checks: Please check your child’s hair regularly and treat if needed. Children with long hair (boys and girls) should keep it tied up.
👕 Uniform Orders: Please ensure your child is wearing the correct uniform each day. Uniform orders can be placed online:🔗 Secondary Order Form 🔗 Primary Order Form
🍎 Healthy Snacks: Healthy snacks only at break times. No sweets, crisps/chips or cakes.
🚗 Drop-off & Pick-up:
• Drop-off: from 8:30 a.m. only
• Pick-up:
– Primary: 2:50 p.m. (or 4:00 p.m. for ASA)
– Secondary: 4:00 p.m.
Please be punctual, as some children have been waiting for extended periods.
🌬️ No Idling Zone: Please switch off engines while waiting outside school to support a healthier environment for all.
🤒 Absence & Illness: Please notify your child’s class teacher (Primary) or form tutor (Secondary) if they are unwell or absent.
Si Ri Panya News Highlights — Previous Issues
Explore earlier issues of Si Ri Panya News Highlights via our school blog archive.
