Dear Parents,

Our mid-term break begins today and runs for the next two weeks. Whether your family is travelling or enjoying beautiful Chiang Mai, I encourage you to find small, meaningful moments to laugh together, rest together, play together, and explore together. These shared experiences strengthen connections and help children return to school refreshed and ready to learn.

At Panyaden, we lean on the 12 Wise Habits. Here are simple, family-friendly ways to weave them into your days:

• Avihimsa (Non-harming): Use kind words and gentle hands - especially when everyone is tired.

• Mattanuta (Knowing the right amount): Balance screen time, sweets, and schedules with rest and movement.

• Chanda (Intrinsic motivation): Let your child choose a project or place to explore - follow their curiosity.

• Viriya (Persevering): Tackle a small challenge together (a hike, a puzzle, a new recipe).

• Khanti (Patience): Practice calm waiting in queues or traffic - slow breaths, soft voices.

• Sati (Mindful and alert): Notice sights, sounds, and smells on a walk; eat one meal mindfully.

• Samadhi (Calm and focused): Create a quiet reading or drawing time each day.

• Sacca (Truthful): Share daily highs/lows honestly at dinner.

• Indriya-samvara (Using the senses wisely): Plan a family tech-free hour every day for conversation or a board game.

• Metta-Karuna (Kind and compassionate): Do a small act of kindness for a neighbour or family member.

• Caga (Generous): Donate toys/books you no longer need, or give time to help someone.

• Yoniso-manasikara (Applying the mind skilfully): End the day with a reflective question: What did we learn today? What will we try tomorrow?

If you wish, your child may bring back a short note or journal page about a favourite break moment to share with the class.

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and restorative break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back - rested, connected, and ready for new learning.

Warmly,

Kathryn Mills 

• Primary Budding Day (Year 2-6): Friday, 21 November 2025

• Early Years & Year 1 Budding Day: Friday, 28 November 2025

Dear Panyaden Community,

I hope you are all well. 

As Panyaden teachers prepare to spend 5 days at our annual silent meditation retreat with our Spiritual Advisor, Phra Ajahn Jiew, we would like to share some Dhamma with you and extend an invitation to come together and practice. 

Firstly, we would like to share the recording of the Dhamma Talk given by Ajahn Jayasaro on Friday, 26 September. You can listen to it here. You can also read the transcripts of the English and Thai parts of the talk. 

Secondly, we would like to warmly invite you to our One-Day Meditation Retreat at Panyaden on Saturday, 01 November, led by members of the Buddhist Education Committee. Please see the schedule here and sign up here if you would like to join for either half a day or the whole day.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to Kru Max at w.max@panyaden.ac.th if you have any questions. 

With Metta,

The Buddhist Education Committee

This week, our Ladybird students have been making wonderful progress in Music with Kru Tee. He has been teaching the children how to read musical notes and carry a steady rhythm through fun, hands-on activities. The students have also been introduced to the xylophones, learning how to play simple tunes while exploring different sounds and pitches. They have been using a lot of Khanti (being patient), waiting for instructions before playing the instrument. 

It’s been a joy to see their enthusiasm (Chanda) as they discover the joy of music and practise working together as a class ensemble. We are so proud of their growing confidence and focus during lessons. Thank you, Kru Tee, for inspiring our young musicians!