Si Ri Panya News Highlights (issue 36)
- Nicola Bunchuay
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Jan 30, 2026 - Finding Our Rhythm
This week, it’s clear we’re settling into our stride. As pupils (and staff) move confidently through the rhythms of school life — lessons, routines, and day-to-day expectations — there’s a calm sense of purpose across the campus.
With that steady foundation in place, the deeper learning is really beginning to take root: shared habits, shared language, and a culture that feels distinctly ours — warm, values-led, and genuinely connected.
Our focus value this half term is Balanced, so this feeling of harmony has arrived at exactly the right moment. And it’s a timely reminder that our six values — Balanced, Community-Minded, Resilient, Courageous, Honest, and Respectful — aren’t just words; they’re what shape the everyday experience of learning here.
This week, SLT have seen these values in action across classrooms, play, and community life. We’re proud of how established that shared culture is becoming — and we’ll keep working together to strengthen it, so every child continues to thrive within a confident, consistent, and values-driven school environment.
The Perfect Culinary Storm: Year 5's Massaman Curry Masterclass
We were delighted to welcome Chef Nim into school this week. Chef Nim, who is also the mum of Peter in our Secondary School, taught the children how to cook a delicious Massaman curry. The session was highly engaging, with pupils learning about key ingredients, flavour balance, and the cooking techniques needed to prepare the dish safely and confidently.
This visit linked beautifully with our cooking and nutrition curriculum, helping children understand where food comes from, how to prepare balanced meals, and how food connects to culture and community. The children asked thoughtful questions, enjoyed getting hands-on, and loved exploring the rich flavours and cultural background of this much-loved Thai dish.
Inspired to try it at home? Families can order Chef Nim’s food here:https://delivery-kpg.com/stores/remember-restaurant
Ziplock Science: Year 4’s Water Cycle in Action
This week, our Year 4 pupils explored the water cycle through a simple, hands-on investigation using ziplock bags, water, and markers.
To begin, pupils labelled the key stages of the cycle by drawing and annotating the sun, clouds, and water on their bags. They then carefully added water, sealed the bags securely, and placed them on a sunny classroom window.
Over the coming days, pupils will be able to observe the process in real time. As the water warms, it will evaporate, condense into tiny droplets on the inside of the bag, and eventually fall back down like precipitation — a clear visual model of how the cycle repeats in nature.
This practical activity supported pupils’ scientific understanding in a memorable way, turning an abstract concept into something they could see, track, and explain with confidence.
From Learning to Write to Writing Emails
English | Year 3 & Year 1
This week, our English Lead, Teacher Amy, shared a lovely update on the writing taking place across Year 3 and Year 1.
In Year 3, pupils have begun learning how to write emails — a real-world skill that builds both writing confidence and digital communication habits. To make it meaningful, they’ve been paired with Year 7 buddies, and are writing to them with thoughtful questions about hobbies, favourite books, pets, and school life.
The project starts with pupils drafting and sending their first email, and they’re now eagerly waiting to see what replies come back by the end of the week!
Meanwhile, in Year 1, pupils are building strong foundations in sentence writing. They are practising using capital letters, finger spaces, and full stops. Each day, children write a new sentence linked to the phonics sound they are learning, with the added challenge of including as many words containing that sound as possible.
It’s been brilliant to see pupils at both stages developing the skills they need to become confident, capable writers — from first sentences to purposeful communication.
Primary Sports Day: Rehearsal & Big Day (12 February)
Our Primary Sports Day is almost here — and it’s shaping up to be a lively, feel-good morning of teamwork, movement, and school spirit. Families and friends are warmly invited to join us on Thursday 12 February (9:00am–approx. 1:00pm) to cheer the children on.
To help everyone feel confident and ready, we will hold a Sports Day rehearsal on Wednesday 11 February. All Primary pupils should wear their sports uniform on both Wednesday and Thursday.
What to expect on the day
Pupils will take part in mixed-ability House Teams, rotating through short, active stations focused on key track-and-field skills — running, jumping, balancing, throwing, and agility. The emphasis is on participation, encouragement, and celebrating effort, with Year 6 pupils taking leadership roles to support younger children.
This year, our Year 6 class has also helped design some of the fun group stations pupils will enjoy, including: Rash Bash (kicking and running), Ballers (shooting balls), Nachoes (bean bag toss), Snakes & Ladders, Hula Hoops Target, Goofy Shooters (basketball), and Egg & Spoon to the Moon.
For Sports Day, pupils will compete in their House Teams — Red, Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple — led by our Year 6 House Captains. Class teachers will share each child’s House Team allocation in their Friday email, so families know the team in advance.
Practical information
Please ensure your child brings a water bottle and sports shoes (sun hat and sunscreen recommended). We will provide drinks, fruit, and a packed lunch for all pupils. Parking near the school will be limited, so if possible please arrive by motorbike, carpool, or park at Wat Nai Temple (map link) and walk to school.
After the awards ceremony at around 1:00pm, parents are welcome to take children home. After-school clubs and the 3:00pm and 4:00pm school buses will run as normal.
We’re looking forward to a brilliant morning — thank you in advance for helping us make it a positive, energetic day for every child.
Year 9 Watercolour Workshop with Angele Kemp
This week, our Year 9 pupils enjoyed a special creative opportunity as they were introduced to watercolour techniques by the wonderful Dutch artist, Angele Kemp.
The workshop was highly engaging, with pupils exploring new methods and developing confidence in this delicate and expressive medium. They absolutely loved the session, and Angele generously shared her craft, expertise, and artistic insight during her visit to the island — thank you, Angele.
Families can also view Angele’s work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelekamp
World Book Day – Thursday 5 March
A whole-school celebration of stories, characters, and the joy of reading.
On Thursday 5 March, we will be celebrating World Book Day with reading and book-themed activities throughout the day — a wonderful chance to build excitement around books and strengthen our school reading culture.
Before school: Lavender Bookshop will visit with a selection of new titles and bargain second-hand books available to purchase.
Book Swap (Y1-9): Children may bring one book from home that they have already read, and swap it for a different book to take home and enjoy. More information will follow soon with the simple swap process.
Costumes (Y1-9): Pupils are warmly invited to come dressed as their favourite book character. We are sharing this early so everyone has plenty of time to prepare.
Student book videos (Y1-9): We will be filming short, fun book-review videos with pupils, where they can show and explain the books they love most.
Stop Everything and Read (Y1-9): At points across the day, we will pause and enjoy a calm shared reading moment together — because the best part of World Book Day is, of course, the reading.
We’re looking forward to a joyful day that celebrates stories, imagination, and lifelong reading.
Talent Show – Audition Sign-Up Now Open (Years 3–9)
A quick reminder that audition sign-ups are still open for our SRP Talent Show 2026 for students in Years 3–9.
Sign up here deadline 4 February 2026
Key dates
Auditions: Wednesday 25 February 2026
Talent Show: Wednesday 25 March 2026
SRP Music Academy – Reminder: Optional Music Tuition 🎶
A quick reminder that SRP Music Academy is now open — optional on-campus tuition with Rupert (our school Music Teacher). We have up to 12 places per week.
Meet Rupert 👇
“I’ve been surrounded by music for as long as I can remember. I started singing around five years old, mostly singing along with my mum, picked up the drums at about fourteen, and began playing the piano nearly ten years ago. I also play guitar and bass. I have varied experience teaching music in group settings as well as in one-to-one lessons, working with children across keyboard, vocals, guitar, drums and bass. For me, music is about self-expression, joy and curiosity, and my lessons are designed to encourage confidence, creativity and enjoyment in every child.”
Instruments: Piano 🎹 | Drums 🥁 | Vocal 🎤
To register interest join the WhatsApp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FCz2PTdKaZS1rSL4CtVvLq
Full programme details are published in Newsletter Issue 35.
Lunch Matters: Catering Updates This Term
Thank you to families who shared canteen feedback through the Parents & Friends Committee. We’ve reviewed the key themes and made practical changes to keep lunches hotter, smoother, and well-balanced.
What’s changed this term:
Hotter food at servic
e: heat lamps have increased from 4 to 6, and meals are now cooked in smaller batches closer to serving time (we’d rather a short queue than lukewarm food).
Menu balance: across our four-week cycle, there are five deep-fried items. These remain very popular with pupils, so we’re keeping them for now while continuing to monitor overall balance and healthy variety.
Soup availability (Secondary): on high-demand days, soup has increased from a ¾-full pot to a full pot (around 25% more). This term there have been two no-soup days, both due to supplier issues.
Small win: we trialled grated carrot on the salad bar — and it’s been a popular addition.
Read the full feeback response (PDF): 2025.26 T2 Catering Updates
View full menus: www.siripanya.com/school-meals
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
Leaps & Beats Holiday Camp
See Newsletter Issue 34 for full details
Term 2 Talent show
See Newsletter Issue 35 for full details
SRP Music Academy
See Newsletter Issue 35 for full details
World Book Day 5-Mar-26
See Newsletter Issue 36 for full details
Primary Sports Day 12-Feb-26
See Newsletter Issue 36 for full details
🌟 Weekly Reminders
🎂 Birthdays: Primary birthdays (Years 1–6) are 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.
