Si Ri Panya News Highlights (issue 39)
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Feb 27, 2026 - Term 2: Routines, Standards and Learning
Everyone returned to school on Monday tired, but refreshed after a well-earned rest. It is only when we step away from routine that we fully appreciate how important it is — both at school and at home.
Half term offers more than rest; it offers reset. It gives parents, teachers and leadership the opportunity to re-establish daily expectations and ensure that students return focused and ready to learn.
Preparing for the week ahead and helping your child stay organised is not a small detail. It is part of a strong home–school partnership that directly supports progress, confidence and wellbeing.
Across the school, it is the consistent setting — and resetting — of expectations that shapes our culture. When expectations are clear, students rise to them. They understand what is required, they experience appropriate challenge, and their achievements can be recognised with clarity and fairness.
Term Two now leads us towards end-of-term assessments and the Easter break. This is an important stretch of the academic year. It is a time for students to recommit to doing their best, to participate fully in lessons, and to seek support when needed.
Strong routines, clear standards and partnership between home and school create the conditions for success. When those foundations are in place, each child at Si Ri Panya is given the opportunity not only to grow — but to flourish.
World Book Day Book Swap – Thursday 5 March 📖
To celebrate World Book Day, we will be holding our annual Book Swap on Thursday 5 March. It is a simple and enjoyable way for pupils to share stories, discover new authors, and refresh their home libraries — all while promoting sustainability. It encourages a love of reading, gives pupils fresh books at no cost, and helps us reuse resources responsibly.
How it works
Bring books in (Monday–Thursday)
Pupils may bring gently used English books to their class teacher.
Donations recorded
Teachers will record how many books each child contributes.
Swap on Thursday morning
Pupils may choose up to five books (one swap per book donated, up to the limit).
Additional donations welcome
Families who are able to donate extra books for pupils without one to swap are warmly appreciated.
Class visits
Each class will visit the Book Swap area with their teacher to select their new books.
Book guidelines
To ensure a high-quality swap for everyone, please check that books are:
Suitable for ages 5–13
In English
In good condition (no missing pages, heavy staining, or writing)
Accepted: Picture books, chapter books, joke books, and educational magazines (e.g. National Geographic).
Please avoid: Adult books, non-educational magazines, board books, colouring books, activity books, and sticker books.
🎭 World Book Day – Costumes Thursday 5 March
A reminder that pupils (Years 1-9) may come dressed as a book character next Thursday. Please keep costumes simple, comfortable, and suitable for a full school day. Full costume guidance and event details are in Newsletter Issue 36.
One School. One Identity.
Uniform is not just fabric. It signals standards. It influences behaviour. It shapes belonging.
Until now, pupils have mostly worn their own jumpers and hoodies as an extra layer. This has been practical — but it can also create a mix of styles, logos and messages that don’t reflect a school setting. It may seem minor, but details matter in a school environment. When expectations are clear and consistent, pupils rise to them.
Over the past two weeks, pupils have been trying sample jumpers as we refine our school uniform. They were given a genuine choice between crew neck and V-neck styles.
The decision? Unanimous.
The V-neck was chosen by every group who tried it on — and rightly so. It looks sharper, sits better over a shirt collar and brings a more mature, cohesive look across Primary and Secondary.
We have selected a 60% cotton / 40% polyester blend — durable, breathable and comparable to the quality used by established UK independent schools. It holds its shape, washes well and is designed for real school life.
This is a small change with a meaningful impact:
A smarter presentation
Greater consistency
Stronger sense of belonging
Production is now underway. It will take time to ensure the full size range is available, but we will update families as soon as stock reaches the School Shop.
Standards are built through details. This is one of them.
English Reading Buddies: Year 1 & Year 3
Recently, Year 3 visited Year 1 for a buddy reading session. In these sessions, pupils take turns to read aloud and to listen, building confidence and enjoyment in a supportive setting. Reading buddies help strengthen fluency, expression and comprehension, while also developing careful listening and positive learning relationships across year groups.
Year 9 Exploring Stencils
In their Design and Technology classes this term, Year 9 have explored a range of stencil-making and spray paint techniques. They then transformed their spray-painted pieces into vibrant mixed-media artworks.
Year 2: Trash Heroes
Tuesday lunch break was no ordinary breaktime for a group of Year 2 boys, who chose to spend their time litter picking around campus.
After finding an empty box, they decided to put it to good use — collecting rubbish to help keep our school environment clean for everyone.
They worked with real pride and responsibility, showing not only Resilience (our half-term value) but also respect for our shared space.
Well done to these boys, who will receive a certificate from our Head of Primary at Friday’s assembly for their positive initiative around school.
Year 2 volunteer litter pickers, who tidied the school campus during lunchtime this week, without being asked by an adult. Good work, boys! Showing great initiative!
Scuba Champions!
Over the half term holidays, three Secondary students became full members of the world diving community by passing their PADI Open Water Dive course.
After working hard on the theory in school, they did a day of skills in the waters of Chaloklum bay followed by four dives down to 18m in three different dive locations including Sail Rock.
The conditions were not perfect, but the students did a really fantastic job and stayed calm even when the current picked up - after diving in less ideal conditions, we can't wait to take them out on a perfect day and show them even more of what our beautiful tropical waters have to offer. Omer Boyangu, Ina Kastl and Shir Shaulian - welcome to the underwater world!
Parent & Friends Committee – Term 2 Q&A Summary
This term, parent representatives from the School Board met with parents for our Term 2 Parent & Friends Committee meeting. Thank you to everyone who contributed questions, ideas and feedback.
The committee helps ensure families are kept informed about how the school operates, what is already in place, and where refinements are being made. As always, feedback is considered carefully and responded to proportionately, within the school’s established professional systems.
Key discussion areas included library access, screen use, facilities and cleanliness, catering, uniforms, teaching and classroom experience, Thai language progress, and parent-led opportunities for older pupils.
Read the full Parent & Friends Committee Q&A Summary (Term 2) HERE
Talent Show Auditions
Last week, more than a dozen students participated in auditions for our upcoming March 25th Talent Show. Staff and parent volunteers graciously gave up their time to help students give their best shot at getting a place in the show, which is something.
To acknowledge their bravery, hardwork and dedication to rehearsing for a place in the show, they were awarded a certificate and a beautiful trophy which we hope will to serve as a momento of the occasion.
Stars in the making: drummers, singers, dancers, magicians - Si Ri Panya students have it all! Wishing them all the best of luck for the upcoming talent show, which will take place on Tuesday 25th March.
Year 7 Overnight Island Camp: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our annual Year 7 camping trip remains one of the most memorable experiences of the year — carefully designed to combine outdoor learning, teamwork and cultural understanding in a way that strengthens both knowledge and character.
The day began with a departure to Koh Ma, where students snorkelled together and explored the island’s rich marine environment. Alongside the experience itself, pupils completed simple marine research activities — observing wildlife, recording findings, and discussing the importance of protecting our local ecosystems. It was practical, purposeful learning in one of the most beautiful classrooms available to us.
In the afternoon, the group travelled onwards to Thong Nai Pan, where they set up their tents for the night at the temple grounds. Setting up camp required cooperation and shared responsibility — an important part of developing independence at this stage of school life.
As evening approached, students took a beach walk before sharing dinner together on the sand. Team-building activities encouraged communication, leadership and resilience. The day concluded around the campfire, where pupils supported one another, shared stories and roasted marshmallows — a simple moment that quietly builds confidence and connection within the year group.
The following morning began with a meaningful cultural experience. Students offered gifts to the monk, joined in a Buddhist chant, and received a blessing. It was a calm and reflective start to the day, reinforcing respect for the community and traditions that surround us.
Before returning to school, the group climbed to the viewpoint above the temple and enjoyed a final swim together. By lunchtime they were back on campus — tired, sandy, and noticeably more united.
Experiences like this extend learning far beyond the classroom. They build resilience, deepen friendships, and help young people grow in confidence, responsibility and maturity. Year 7 returned not only with memories — but stronger as a team.
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 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
🌟 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.
