“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain
Before diving into the excitement of Semester 2 and everything that comes with teaching in Thailand, it’s impossible not to notice how perfectly the season reflects the school year itself — shifting, renewing, and opening new paths forward for teachers and students across the country. The physical transition mirrors the emotional one: a reminder that change can be refreshing, grounding, and full of possibility.
In Thailand, we are currently in a transition period, both metaphorically and physically. As we move from the wet to the dry season, we notice a shift from heavy, frequent rainfall to less frequent, lighter showers, recent storms notwithstanding. The less intense showers bring cooler temperatures, and we can observe the lush greenery as the landscapes are vibrant from the wet season. This is especially prevalent in Isaan, where I am based.
A New Semester Begins in Thailand
Amid all this change is the beginning of semester 2 and a fresh start for all our teachers and students alike. It is a time of great hope, as we can now look forward to changing that by reasserting ourselves and our ambitions over the next few months.
If term 1 were a success, which in most cases I expect it to have been, we would like to continue that while also constantly striving to improve.
Seasonal Changes Across Buriram, Thailand
Here at Buriram Pitthayakhom (BP) School, we returned just in time for Halloween celebrations. It was great to be reunited with my colleagues, and to be honest, I was very happy to see all of my Mattayom students again.
Of course, it would be remiss of me not to mention the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit at this point. Beloved by the Thai nation, her legacy will endure as a true advocate of rural development and social issues. As a school, we dutifully honoured her at assembly on our return and also at the English Program department, of which I am a member.
Honoring Queen Mother Sirikit
The passing of Queen Mother Sirikit marked an important moment of reflection across the country, including within our school community. Her lifelong contributions to culture, development, and social welfare continue to inspire people throughout Thailand. Taking time to honor her allowed both teachers and students to pause, show respect, and appreciate the values that shape daily life here.
Reuniting with Teachers and Students After the Break
Halloween is an interesting time of year for me, with its origins in a Celtic festival, and I am from Ireland. With my own birthday falling in November, a lot is going on. Always happy to dress up when presented with the opportunity to do so, our Halloween ‘spooktacular’ turned out very well.
It was a nice welcome back for the students and a comfortable way to ease back into what will be a hectic next few months. I always enjoy things that are not “run-of-the-mill,” as festivals like this give me the chance to see the students in a different light, generally more relaxed and having a bit more fun than when I try to impart wisdom on the finer points of polynomials or quadratic equations to them.
But of course, it is these finer mathematical points that my students are ultimately in my class for. And with another, albeit more Thai-centric, festival having recently passed in Loy Krathong, a festival itself that speaks to letting go of misfortune, it truly is a time for renewal, new beginnings, and a fresh start.
These cultural moments create a meaningful backdrop for the academic semester, reminding us that growth—both personal and educational—often begins with reflection, gratitude, and fresh perspectives.
Halloween and Classroom Energy at Buriram Pitthayakhom (BP) School
To that end, I am resolute in my dedication to my work and continue to strive for excellence and for the best possible results, both for myself and for my students. I am reenergised by this challenge. The classroom where I conduct my journey through Math with my classes has just recently had a smartboard installed.
I had never used one before, but I had previously resolved to start incorporating more technology into my classes, and this was a very welcome and timely addition to the room. It gives me much more flexibility in what I can do, and it is also somewhat less intimidating than a standard whiteboard when I ask students to do something on it.
Embracing Renewal Through Thai Festivals and New Beginnings
I know that here at BFITS, we will have some new teachers in our communities, whether experienced older heads or first-timers. Of course, this can be daunting, but it is also a wonderful time and opportunity. The idea of a new semester brings a unique combination of excitement and responsibility.
Some universal truths remain in this profession, chief among them the ability to create a welcoming learning environment. Preparation is key, as is getting off on the right track and making a positive first impression on students and colleagues. I have seen this go either way firsthand, and it is so crucial in establishing oneself. The very best of luck to all new starters wherever you may land in this vast country.
Halloween Games, Talent Shows, and School Spirit
So what did we do for Halloween apart from dressing up? Well, lots of things really. We had games, activities, and a talent show for the students. I played quizmaster, asking a set of devilishly difficult questions, each more fiendish than the last. There was a witches’ hat ring toss and mask-making activities, and by the end of the day, we were all worn out but happy to have been back.
The day did close with the aforementioned talent show. The students always love an excuse to sing and dance. They were happy, and the teachers felt content. We were ready to go again for another few months of tears, joy, tantrums, laughs, and the whole range of emotions that come with teaching high school all over the world.
Let’s start semester 2 as we mean to go on. With an open mind and an open heart, let’s see where the journey takes us—best wishes to all.
Chris Whearty
Math Teacher, BFITS Thailand
Buriram Pitthayakhom (BP) School
