Student leadership, shared cultural appreciation, and community spirit
This week at Finnway International School, our campus came alive with one of Thailand’s most beloved celebrations Loy Krathong. More than just a festival of lights, our Loy Krathong celebration became a shining example of the power of student leadership, shared cultural appreciation, and community spirit.
At Finnway International School, we believe that students learn best when they take ownership when they are not only participants, but leaders. This year’s Loy Krathong event was led by our students, and they truly rose to the occasion with confidence, kindness, and pride.
What is Loy Krathong? A Brief History
Loy Krathong, which translates to “floating a basket,” is a festival celebrated across Thailand on the full moon of the 12th lunar month. Traditionally, people create small floating offerings called Krathongs, often made from banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense. These are gently placed into rivers, lakes, or the sea as a gesture of letting go releasing worries, negative thoughts, and anything that no longer serves us.
Historically, Loy Krathong is believed to honour Phra Mae Khongkha, the Goddess of Water, thanking her for the water that sustains life. It is also a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewal a beautiful reminder to begin again with kindness and clarity.
By learning about and participating in this tradition, our students not only celebrated Thai culture, but deepened their understanding of symbolism, history, and shared humanity.
Student Leadership at the Heart of Our Celebration
What made this year’s Loy Krathong at Finnway International School truly special was the leadership shown by our students. They:
- Introduced and explained the meaning behind the festival.
- Guided younger classmates through the process of crafting their own Krathongs.
- Organised and supported activities, ensuring everyone felt included.
- Showed cultural respect and understanding through storytelling, reflection, and participation.
When students lead, they learn far more than just content. They build:
- Confidence in their abilities
- Pride in their voice and identity
- Empathy and respect for others
- A sense of belonging and responsibility
This aligns deeply with the Finnway values of agency, collaboration, and meaningful learning.
A Thank You to Our Community
We extend our heartfelt thanks to:
- Our students, for leading with joy, maturity, and spirit
- Our teachers and staff, for guiding, encouraging, and empowering
- Our parents, for being part of our connected school community
- Our wider Finnway family, for supporting cultural celebrations that bring learning to life
Together, we created a celebration filled with reflection, beauty, and togetherness.
Celebrating Culture the Finnway Way
At Finnway International School, learning is more than academics. It is emotional, cultural, hands-on, and human. By embracing celebrations like Loy Krathong, we nurture curiosity, respect, and global citizenship — one meaningful moment at a time.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Here’s to many more celebrations of culture, leadership, and community together.
