Si Ri Panya News Highlights (issue 37)
- Nicola Bunchuay
- 15 hours ago
- 6 min read
Feb 6, 2026 - Learning with Purpose
This week’s highlights reflect what sets Si Ri Panya apart: learning that is intentional, values-led and deeply connected to real life — past, present and future.
Across Primary and Secondary, pupils stepped beyond textbooks to apply skills in meaningful contexts, from outdoor learning experiences and collaborative projects to thoughtful engagement with local knowledge and alumni journeys. We saw our school values in action — particularly Balance — as pupils demonstrated focus, resilience, curiosity and care for one another.
We are also proud to share moments that show the long view of education: staying connected with alumni, supporting individual pathways, and nurturing a strong sense of belonging that continues well beyond graduation.
In Primary, a Certificate of Excellence was given to students', one per class, who have succeeded in embedding one or more of our six school values. Here's one of our proud recipients:
Our values: Courageous, Respectful, Community-minded, Resilient, Honest, and Balanced
Read on to enjoy a snapshots of learning in action this week that was grounded, purposeful, and uniquely Si Ri Panya.
Year 3 Mini Golf Excursion ⛳️
Year 3 enjoyed a fantastic mini golf excursion, taking learning beyond the classroom and into a real-world setting.
With scorecards in hand, pupils practised focus, patience and problem-solving, while also demonstrating excellent sportsmanship — celebrating successful shots, learning from missed ones, and encouraging one another throughout.
Experiences like this help children build resilience, teamwork and confidence, and they linked perfectly with our current value of being Balanced — staying calm, taking turns, and keeping a positive mindset whether a putt went in or not.
A big thank you to Phangan Adventure Mini Golf for welcoming our pupils so warmly and providing such a relaxed, enjoyable environment for learning.
SRP Alumni Spotlight: Shim ✨👨🍳
Many of you will remember Shim from his time at Si Ri Panya. Shim has a clear goal — to build a future in food and hospitality — and he’s approaching it the right way: step by step, with a plan.
He completed 9 IGCSE subjects, achieving 3 A’s, 5 B’s and 1 C — a strong set of results to be proud of. He’s now continuing with A Levels in English Literature, Geography and History, and (as he very rightly reminded us!) has already secured an A in History at AS Level.
His plan is to move to the UK, gain experience working in a restaurant, and then apply to culinary school. Longer term, Shim’s ambition is to work as a private chef — and perhaps one day bring those skills back to Thailand. 🌿
We love staying connected with our alumni and hearing where their journeys take them. Proud of you, Shim — keep going. 💛
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.
When Learning Meets Real Life: Year 7 Welcome Back Borbea
Last week, Year 7 welcomed Borbea, a local Koh Phangan student and former Si Ri Panya pupil, into their English lesson.
The class is currently studying Kensuke’s Kingdom — a novel about a boy who is shipwrecked at sea — and pupils prepared interview questions about what it is really like to be on a boat in a storm. Borbea, who was born and raised on the island, spoke about growing up on boats with his father, a local fisherman and boat driver, and shared real experiences from years spent taking tourists on trips and going fishing.
Every pupil asked a question, and the responses sparked genuine curiosity and thoughtful discussion. It was also a valuable moment for the class to see Borbea in a new light — not just as someone helping around school, but as a young adult with knowledge and lived experience closely connected to their learning.
Borbea previously studied at Si Ri Panya on a full bursary. He has since completed Mor 6, and is now back with us supporting our campus through garden and maintenance work until he leaves for college in April, having secured a place at the college of his choice.
Learning Showcase, Primary: Year 1
From Influential Women in History to Organic Farming and Nature Printmaking
Year 1 have had a rich and varied week of learning, combining history, science, outdoor exploration and creative expression.
In History, pupils learned about Florence Nightingale and how her work during the Crimean War highlighted the importance of cleanliness and sanitation in nursing. To bring this learning to life, they explored the impact of soap on “germs” through a simple pepper-and-soap experiment, helping children visualise why handwashing is so important for staying healthy.
Pupils also learned about Mary Seacole and her role caring for soldiers during the same period. The class then took part in role play, putting their “nursing skills” to the test by bandaging “broken” arms and ankles, and caring for pretend cuts and injuries. Across the school, pupils are exploring the theme of influential women throughout history, and it has been encouraging to see Year 1 engage with these stories so thoughtfully.
At Si Ri Panya, we aim to make learning as hands-on as possible — integrating art, drama, role play and creativity wherever it strengthens understanding and enjoyment.
This week also included an off-site learning experience at Raitiaviset Organic Farm, where pupils fed fish and explored the garden through a memorable sensory tour. Children tasted fruits (including some they had never seen before), followed the scents of different flowers and herbs, and asked wonderful questions as they explored. Experiences like these help pupils connect classroom learning to the wider world, building curiosity, confidence and deeper understanding.
Back on campus, Year 1 paired up with Year 3 in Maths to explore measurement, using rulers to measure playground equipment and everyday objects — a practical, collaborative way to develop key skills.
And in History, the creativity continued as pupils learned about Queen Elizabeth I, designing and making their own crowns.
Well done to our enthusiastic Year 1 learners — and a special thank you to Teacher Olivia and Kru Pam for their dedication, care and positive role modelling throughout the week.
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.
