The annual Wai Kru ceremonies at BISP brought together students and staff across Primary and Secondary to honour the Thai tradition of showing respect and gratitude to teachers. Both events were filled with colour, creativity and heartfelt appreciation, reflecting the strong bonds within our school community.

Primary Wai Kru

Preparations began as pupils from Year 1 to 6 collaborated in their Thai lessons to design and create the traditional phan Wai Kru flower trays for their class teachers. This hands-on activity encouraged teamwork and creativity while deepening students’ understanding of Thai culture.

On Friday 19 September, two assemblies were held. The morning event for Years 1 to 3 opened with a graceful Lotus Flower Dance by the Year 2 girls, followed by the Year 2 boys’ lively performance of Khun Kru Krab (Yes, Teacher!), which delighted the audience. The afternoon assembly for Years 4 to 6 featured a traditional Wai Kru Muay Thai presented by the Year 4 girls, followed by an energetic Muay Thai exercise routine from the Year 4 boys.

In both assemblies, pupil representatives presented the flower trays to their teachers, while assistants and specialists were honoured with cactus plants. All students made a collective vow to be diligent and respectful in their learning.

Secondary Wai Kru

On Thursday 19 September, Secondary students gathered for their ceremony, which combined cultural performances, music and student-led creativity. Highlights included the elegant Thai Classical Dance Ram Auay Phorn, the Chamber Choir’s rendition of Three Little Birds, a spirited Wai Kru Muay Thai, and the humorous Middle School skit Teachers Unplugged. The programme also featured the Teacher’s Anthem and a high-energy performance of Nice Dream by the student band.

As in Primary, tutor group representatives presented beautifully arranged flower trays and plants to their teachers. The celebration also included recognition of gifted young writers through the Wai Kru Poetry Awards, adding another layer of student expression and appreciation.

A Special Student Story

This year’s Wai Kru was especially meaningful for Year 13 student Hayley Ueckermann, who joined BISP in 2010 in Little Ducks. Now in her final year, this was her last Wai Kru ceremony. Hayley chose to honour teachers who have played an important role throughout her school journey.

Hayley’s story is a powerful reminder of how Wai Kru captures not just tradition, but also the deep and lasting bonds between students and teachers at BISP.

It was special to give flowers to Mr Meredith at my last Wai Kru ceremony, as he has been here all the time I’ve been at school and as a way to say thank you for all the years I’ve spent here. I decided to give Mr Jackson flowers because he was one of the most memorable teachers I’ve had at BISP, teaching me in Year 1 and Year 3. I also always give flowers to the Secondary Extra Learning Support team to thank them for their guidance from Year 7 through my GCSEs and now in my final year of the BTEC programme. – Hayley Ueckermann

Wai Kru is always a meaningful and memorable way to begin the year, and this year’s celebrations once again reminded us of the values of respect, diligence and community at the heart of BISP. We would like to thank the Thai Department for their dedication in organising the ceremony, ensuring it was a special occasion for our whole community.