Si Ri Panya News Highlights (issue 42)
- Mar 20
- 7 min read
March 20th - A School Culture Taking Root
There is a strong sense, across Si Ri Panya at the moment, that our school culture is continuing to deepen and take shape in meaningful ways. This week, we have seen creativity, collaboration, kindness and confidence expressed across the campus — in classrooms, in the gardens, in performances, in quiet moments of reflection, and in the everyday interactions that help define who we are as a school community.
Whether pupils are dancing together at break time, reading peacefully under a tree after an assessment, rehearsing for next week’s Talent Show, or working side by side on projects and performances, our values are becoming increasingly visible in daily school life.
This does not happen by chance. It is being built through the consistent care, guidance and dedication of our staff, who work every day to help pupils grow not only academically, but also socially, emotionally and personally.
With several special events coming up as we approach the end of term, here is a brief reminder for families.
📅 Dates for Your Diary
Wednesday 25 March🎭 Whole School Talent Show (Years 1–9)
12:40–14:45, Sports Hall
Wednesday 1 April 🕰 Primary Time Travellers Event (Years 1–6)
Afternoon event (timed tickets)
Thursday 2 April 💦 Songkran Celebration (Years 1–9)
Morning ceremony 9:15-10:00 (parents welcome)
Afternoon water play (students only)
Songkran at Si Ri Panya International School
On Thursday 2 April 2026, Si Ri Panya will mark the end of Term 2 with a joyful celebration of Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year.
Throughout the day, pupils will take part in activities that help them understand the meaning of Songkran as a festival of respect, renewal, and community, as well as enjoying some of its more playful traditions.
At 9:15am, children will join the traditional Song Nam Phra (สรงน้ำพระ) and Rod Nam Dum Hua (รดน้ำดำหัว) ceremonies. These customs involve gently pouring scented water as a sign of humility, gratitude, and good wishes for the year ahead. Parents are warmly welcome to attend the morning ceremony with their child, and we would be delighted to share this special part of the day with families.
In the afternoon, the celebrations will continue with controlled water play for students and staff. This will be a fun and refreshing way to end the term together. Please note that afternoon water play is for students only.
For the day, school uniform will not be required. Children are encouraged to come dressed in bright floral shirts or traditional Thai dress to reflect the festive spirit of Songkran.
Students may also bring:
a small, safe water toy if they wish to join the afternoon water play
a change of clothes, particularly if they are attending ASAs or travelling home by school bus
Songkran is one of Thailand’s most meaningful celebrations, and we are looking forward to sharing this special tradition with our school community in a way that
is both respectful and joyful.
Wishing all our families a happy and refreshing Songkran.
Looking Ahead - Year 10 and 11 Subject Options Meeting
As part of our preparation for the transition to year 10, Year 9 students and parents attended a meeting last week to learn in more detail about the subjects on offer for the two -year programme covered in years 10 and 11.
As well as the compulsory core subjects - English, Maths and Science - students are able to choose which additional subjects they want to study, and we are proud to be able to offer them a choice of academic and vocational subjects leading to either iGCSE or BTEC qualifications. This meeting was focussed on these optional subjects, and after an initial presentation the families were able to talk to subject specialists to help them decide which optional subjects would best fit their interests and future goals.
Further information about our programme for Years 10 and 11, including our optional subjects on offer, can be found on our website on the Key Stage 4 page - https://www.siripanya.com/upper-secondary-ks4-curriculum
Fire Safety in Action
Today, our Secondary students took part in practical fire extinguisher training alongside our Thai staff team. They learned about different types of extinguishers, when to use them, and had the opportunity to practise in a safe, controlled environment. Experiences like this help build confidence, awareness and important real-life skills beyond the classroom.
Year 1 Superstars: Finalising Our Windmill Project, Peer Reading, and ICT
Outdoor learning, whether it's peer reading or putting together the final touches of a class project on building windmills, we encourage teachers and students to learn in the many spaces around the school campus.
A windmill needs wind after all!
Our wonderful Year 1 class is full to the brim of exemplary students who listen, participate and do their very best every single day.
We like to see learning happening outside of the classroom. This week, there have been rehearsals in the Sports Hall, arts and crafts under trees or on the field, in fact everywhere you look there are cool things going on.
Year 1 have also been busy in ICT, where they've been drawing and modifying their own original shapes and artwork in Paintshop.
It's an energetic class to be in with so much variation and texture designed to keep our littlest ones happy and engaged throughout the day. All this is made possible by the outstanding commitment, dedication and dynamism of Teacher Olivia and Kru Pam.
Well done, Year 1 graphic designers!
The Bluest of Blues - Year 4 Botanical Inspired Arts and Crafts
Our Year 4 students explored creativity and expression through a unique art activity inspired by The Bluest of Blues by Fiona Robinson. Using straws and water colours, students blew the paint across their paper to create organic, flowing shapes similar to those found in nature.
This hands-on technique encouraged experimentation, as no two paintings turned out the same. Students carefully observed how colours blended and spread, making connections to the natural forms and illustrations seen in the book. Alongside developing their artistic skills, they also practised patience and control while guiding the movement of the paint.
The activity sparked thoughtful discussions about creativity, nature, and how artists can represent the world in abstract ways. It was wonderful to see students so engaged and proud of their imaginative and expressive artwork.
Year 9 Leaf Printing
As part of a series of creative workshop excursions in Secondary, the Year 9 students enjoyed another very eventful and inspiring morning at Indigo Coral House this week. Not only did they further develop their leaf printing (eco-printing) skills, learning how natural leaves can be used to transfer unique shapes and pigments onto fabric, but they were also introduced to various techniques showing how sustainable materials can be used in interior design and architecture.
Beyond the artistic process, the workshop also sparked important conversations. The students discussed sustainable materials, social responsibility, and the challenges faced by minority communities, as well as ways we can help support the Burmese community.
The morning ended with a wonderful surprise: an impromptu rhythm circle led by Turkish musician Burak, who generously shared his hand-made instruments with the students. It was a joyful and memorable moment that brought everyone together through music.
Year 3 Soil Scientists Get to Work!
Our Year 3 children are studying 'Soils' in Science and found 3 different types of soil in our school grounds.
Teacher Nicola and the children dug for sandy soil, clay soil and discovered that peat soil is the best for growing plants!
We learned that peat soil contains elephant dung, leftover vegetable peelings and coconut shells & found lots of bugs and worms living in the soil. We also touched clay soil which is sticky and has lots of small stones inside.
Bonding Over Bites: The Power of Healthy Snacks and Conversations
Break time is a crucial part of the day, allowing students from various year groups to interact and play together. This week, students were eager to demonstrate their strength on the monkey bars and spontaneously organised a disco. The Head of Primary joined in, playing their favorite songs and had a dance with them.
It's beneficial to set aside time daily to converse casually and unwind, appreciating each other's presence with a healthy snack or pausing for a pleasant conversation.
Primary Photography Club:
Photo of the Week by Arbelle Emma Toren, Year 4
"Arbelle showed great perception and curiosity with the camera," said Teacher Simon, who runs the club.
Join Photography Club in Term 3
Inspired by these photographs? Photography Club runs every Thursday for Years 4–6, and new students are welcome to join.
Led by Teacher Simon, a published nature photographer, students build creativity and confidence while learning composition, perspective, lighting and editing.
Term 3 fee: THB 2,750 for 11 sessions
Trial session: Available at the standard session rate
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/Da4ZSZzBhi7dAYEdA
The Countdown to our Talent Show is On!
Tickets are available now for our whole-school Talent Show, which will take place in the Sports Hall on Wednesday 25 March.
Doors open: 12:40
Part A: 12:50–13:35
Intermission: 13:35–14:00
Food and drinks will be available during the break.
Part B: 14:00–14:45
Finish: 14:45
Tickets cost 100 Baht and help cover the costs of the show. They can be purchased from the school office in advance.
Time Travellers Event – Wednesday 1st April
Tickets are now available from the school office. Please see Issue 40 of the newsletter for the full event information, including timings, arrival windows and performance details.
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
SRP Music Academy
See Newsletter Issue 35 for full details
Time Travellers end of term event
See Newsletter Issue 40 for full details
Talent Show
See Newsletter Issue 41 for full details
Songkran Celebration
See Newsletter Issue 42 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: www.siripanya.com/precious-plastic-project
🐞 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.
