I am privileged to lead a programme deeply woven into the fabric of our community's daily life. Mindfulness is not merely an activity or a scheduled class here; it is an ethos, a way of being that permeates our interactions, our learning, and our approach to global citizenship.

The phrase "communication is key" is more than just a saying; it's the cornerstone of human interaction. At UWC Thailand, mastering speech and language skills can be a challenge for some students. A Speech and Language Therapist like Claire plays a vital role in fostering and supporting effective communication skills.

The much-anticipated 2024 UWC Cup Regatta took place on the 16 March, eaving participants and spectators alike with memories to cherish and lessons learned.

The UWC Thailand football programme is thriving, with a significant female presence and diverse player backgrounds. Despite challenges, both Junior and Senior Girls teams are excelling, with impressive progress from players like Yulduz, grade 11 (Afghanistan), who overcame obstacles to join. As they prepare for the ASAC Senior Football Championships, the team embodies unity and determination, representing UWC Thailand in Cambodia.

Our current Student Council Co-Heads, Isabel from grade 11 (Tanzania, Italy, and the United States), and Lazar from grade 11 (Serbia), embarked on a trip to UWC ISAK Japan, along with former Student Council Co-Heads Yliane from grade 12 (Spain), and Raidul from grade 12 (Bangladesh). 

UWC Thailand is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host the highly anticipated UWC International Congress 2024 in Thailand's tranquil settings, surrounded by rich foliage and bright flora. In the middle of this excitement, I had the opportunity to speak with the Secondary Principal of UWC Thailand, Jonathan (Jon) Field, an experienced educator who has spent six and a half years at the school.

Have you ever wondered how much energy is being used to store and save those 50 copies of the same  picture of you and your friend in front of a smoothie stand in slightly different poses?  Where are all of our photos, files, etc.. stored and how is it powered? What is the extent of our digital footprint?

Understanding the inner world of boys can be confusing sometimes, and beneath the surface are complex young people who generally speaking are different to their female counterparts. To really connect with boys, we've got to understand why they act the way they do, and appreciate the unique emotional twists that shape their reactions.

At UWC Thailand, our commitment to community engagement extends far beyond the confines of the curriculum and term time. We allow students to initiate and implement Student-Initiated Trips, collaborating with trusted communities across Thailand to partake in various social and environmental programs

The Early Years Teachers, as a team, have always believed in the power of play to ignite young minds and foster holistic development. However, looking out onto our school playground, we saw the untapped potential and needed play equipment our little learners could have more fully inspired. That's when we knew it was time for a change – and thus, the Playground Committee was born...

In her recent reflection of the UWC International Congress 2024, Aylin, a Grade 12 student from Bulgaria, engages in a discussion with Lural Ramírez about the importance of this international congress and the preparations underway within the UWC Thailand community for the upcoming event.

The 2024 UWC Thailand Student Council, elected in the second semester, consists of capable leaders from diverse backgrounds, embodying our global community. Their objectives encompass cultivating international connections, enhancing the school's community engagement, and prioritising well-being, among other initiatives.

This academic year, we were delighted to welcome Merryn Atkins, a seasoned Occupational Therapist from New Zealand, to our school community. Merryn has joined us as our dedicated in-school Occupational Therapist, bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise in a broad spectrum of areas crucial for student development. 

The next UWC International Congress, which takes place once every six years*, will be held in Phuket, Thailand, from 29 February to 2 March 2024. As the culmination of the UWC movement's 60th anniversary festivities, this event will be our first-ever hybrid Congress, allowing for even more participation from the whole UWC community.  

In the first semester at UWC Thailand's Middle Years Programme, students embraced student-centred learning through dynamic orientation activities, diverse academic paths, and hands-on projects, fostering a community where education goes beyond textbooks and empowering students to explore, create, and grow.

Setting up a mindful reading pop-up library—an outdoor space for relaxation while diving into the world of literature—has been an uplifting experience. It was an experiment of "applied mindfulness," in the shade of generous trees on our campus. An oasis of peace where we spread mats and cushions, and where we have welcomed Kindergarten to Grade 12 students, their teachers, and their parents during a week-long series of workshops.

The UWC Thailand alumni meet-up in London was full of snippets of much longer stories. It was a gathering full of joy at seeing each other and sharing old stories, of laughter at collective experiences at UWC Thailand.

This past month, UWC Thailand was abuzz with excitement, pride, and the unmistakable spirit of competition as we hosted our inaugural international tournament as official members of the ASEAN Sports and Activities Conference (ASAC).

In September 2023, UWC Thailand played a pivotal role in hosting the UWC Outdoor Leaders Retreat, an event designed to unite outdoor education leaders from various UWC schools across Asia.